DAG Architects, a Destin, Florida-based company, has produced an early design for FAMU’s new Polkinghorne Village. The apartment complex, which has been closed since 2004, sits next to the Student Services Center and Bragg Memorial Stadium.FAMU estimates the project will cost $63 million and be finished by Fall 2012.
From DAG Architects:
The facility is intended to create a new campus gateway and promote positive patterns for future campus development. Based on a mixed use model, the design includes approximately 800 beds, several community rooms on each floor, and provides university use spaces at ground level.
Besides the spaces contained within the buildings, the buildings themselves shape a series of courtyard spaces culminating in a central plaza envisioned to become a hub of campus activities. These exterior spaces coupled with a large green space behind the dormitory provide great opportunities for student interaction and campus events.
See more photos here.
$63 million and only 800 beds?!
ReplyDeleteJust re-open the old polkinghorne for $10,000.
Look great. But given the current leadership over the FAMU facilities maintenance group, this place will look like the projects on the TV show Goodtimes in no time.
ReplyDeleteThe old Polkinghorne was closed because it no longer meets basic building codes. It's better to just build a new complex from scratch.
ReplyDeleteAs a 2006 graduate, this is definitely overdue. I hope more alumni and private donors realize how crucial campus housing is to the student experience and key performance indicators such as the 6 year graduation rate.
ReplyDeleteIt is my understanding that the closure of Polkinghorne Village had nothing to do with meeting basic building codes but more with the cost of maintenance/repairs and the need to considulate facilities
ReplyDeleteYeah there were a few issues with the Polkinghorne Village, nothing that I thought was structural. It is however, a good thing to broaden the scope of housing on campus. Unfortunately I cannot make fair judgement from the information provided and we always find ourselves in the position of not having any real campaign for development or transparency in design and use. If we dream big then tell us what it costs and challenge RattlerNation to raise the roof literally. I want big things but these little sketches are not gonna get even my type excited. We've been gooped before with tese contractors and architects. Beyond that I like some things about this project except that it doesnt look like an A&M building and these "activities" by the dorms sounds like these architects don't know much about campus life and likely a veiled attempt to move the Set. It should be personalized from concept and have its own parking structure, especially for that amount of money. We can do it!
ReplyDeleteTh campus Gateway should be on both Gaines and Jackson Bluff/Lake Bradford/FAMU Way, however that intersection will end up being called.As well as Adams/Monroe Streets by the new Cascades Park if they can stop bickering and thinking small) to Orange Ave. Bigger, riteful and better defind footprint fr the University. We shoud have direct exposure to Gaines street accross from that hotel and civic center/downtown area. That old citgo on the corner can go, replace it with FAMU guest services and all of community based programs. ANd if we can still get the DOT building, we can really makesome moves in this arena. As well as preserve a historical African-Amrican settlement area known as Smokey Hollow.
ReplyDeleteThis is great news.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it not on the "official" FAMU blog? Why is this not apart of the solicit correspondence from the Foundation office?
Can you get us more specific information about this project?
10 years ago University that added new residential facilities were doing amazing things. This article doesn't reflect innovative thought into this planned site. Unfortunately, like MOST things done at FAMU. You can check out the Chronicle of Higher Education for more information about new campus buildings.
ReplyDeleteI hope some or all of the following things are a part of this new construction:
- An exercise annex
- A deli/snack bar/bakery/eatery/juice bar
- Clubhouse w/ business office equipment (available for a fee of course)
- Outdoor "lounge" area
- Laundry
- Seminar/presentation room
- Mini theatre
- Roof gardens and solar power
- LEED certified
- Waterfall in shared place
A planned with sustainability as the focus. Use organic plants and paint to help build and sustain a healthy living space. This has the potential to be a project to put FAMU back on the map. This should be a living space that students would not want to leave.
If it's done correctly, you might start to again nurture a "strong" alumni/philanthropic base. Get the RIGHT, meaning "those who have studied and have academic credentials in Student Affairs" involved in this project. Not those who have been trained in the FAMU student affairs thru OJT.
^^^Great points, 2:25pm!
ReplyDeleteTo further expound on the integration of organic and green technologies to the project, doing such would not only be ecological benefit but has the potential to be a direct economic benefit to FAMU and housing. There are billions of dollars out there (private, corporate, federal, state, local) through grants and scholarships available for green technology projects as evidenced by our bright students winning $5,000 from Home Depot to supply energy and reduce utility costs to the Orange Room using rainwater.
Green projects involving solar power, energy, waste, and organic/health food markets would be excellent opportunities for FAMU's CESTA, Engineering, SBI, and Architect students. They could compete for monies that would finance some of the enhancements and housing amenities they'd like to have on campus, while simultaneously affecting the environment in a positive way. With the scarcity in the Tallahassee area, an organic health food market on campus would be big business for FAMU, and a healthier option for students as opposed to the pizza and french fries served in the cafe.
Polkinghorne Village did not meet state codes and the maintenance/repair costs were extremely high. That's why FAMU has to make sure that maintenance and upgrades are regular and high priority so that facilities wont progress to a state of disrepair. It's the same issue with the swimming pools near Gaither. It doesnt make any kind of sense to spend millions of dollars to construct these facilities, and not take care of them.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a bridge connecting PH Village to a refurbished Bragg Memorial Stadium that includes more beds/housing/hotel, classrooms, offices, bookstore/gift shop/arcade, copy center, and dining. That should be the future expansion the DAG architects should have in mind. Can FAMU athletics get the RATTLER NATION to buy into that vision? Push a $10 million campaign for this vision before requesting the state to match our shovel ready project?
Yeah, I hotel on the block between the ROTC building and the parking garage would be a nice addition. I remember when I was being recruited by Clemson and they put me up in their hotel on campus. I was really impressed with that and I never forgot it.
ReplyDeleteYes a hotel franchise located on or very near campus, that would buy the naming rights to being the "Official" hotel and conference center of Florida A&M University serving athletics, university events, recruits, dignitaries, prospective students, et al would be exciting!
ReplyDeleteIt would also serve as an educational/experential component to students in a newly offered recreation, tourism, and hospitality management degree program under the School of Business and Industry.
According to the link provided in the RN article, Gore Educational Complex and the Teaching Pool at Gaither Athletic Complex will be renovated, remodeled, and refurbished by DAG. I wonder if these projects are included in the $63 million as well. Good stuff, FAMU!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dagarchitects.com/projects/project.aspx
Click on the "Browse Projects" drop down menu to see images of the new Gore Complex.
To all of you people with these big ideas, please pull out your checkbooks and make a check payable to FAMU today, like I've done. The FAMU Foundation has a fundraising campaign going on right now. No excuses!
ReplyDeleteSorry 8:12 a.m., not until there is equity, transparency, and a drastic show of leadership that this will happen. This is a resounding message across the board I here from alumni who were of the era of "Humphries" when we had a surge in enrollment. We are not like our parents who where "Boomers" and a little more willing to take "shit" because in some instances they had to - We demand more and better. When you show us you INTEND to do better and you DO better we will rally to your call.
ReplyDeleteNow take for example these comments posted on the Holmes story blog. "BTW, why isn't someone all over NOW the selection process for the VP of student affairs. This is the most significant position for the university as it is the "face" of FAMU students. Don't what until the "homeboy" gets the job and start complaining start asking questions now and letting your opinions about what type of person you want in the job known."
My guess is there won't be a story on this because whomever the "homeboy" is (btw, does anyone have any ideas?) you won't read about it here because of lack of transparency in the process and quite frankly this blog is now probably run by the FAMU communicatons folk.
9:29 AM, you gave a 3 paragraph, lame excuse why you don't donate to FAMU. Just because FAMU doesn't do exactly what you want them to do doesn't mean there's no transparency. Come on lets cut out the madness and help our Alma Mater.
ReplyDeleteNo 9:29AM is absolutely right. There needs to be a complete culture CHANGE up at FAMU period! The lack of transparency, the nepotism, the poor attitudes, and the decades old dinosaur operations (just to name a few) are ALL legitimate reasons as to why Rattlers have little faith in the giving system. The old days of just blindly giving because "we're supposed to" are dead and gone. Nowadays, FAMU will have to SHOW its stakeholders a vision. This generation DEMANDS a plan of action to SEE the fruits of its giving. If the FAMU Foundation has a campaign targeting the construction of a new 21st century dormitory, I sure havent heard or know about it. Probably because the FAMU Foundation hasnt first of all ASKED or SHOWN me a plan for such a project.
ReplyDeleteAnd 8:12AM, how do you know that these big ideas arent being stated by someone who already gives to the FAMU Foundation? It's constantly confronting negative attitudes like yours that may discourage people from dealing with FAMU altogether.
But since you're so adamant about folk writing checks to the FAMU Foundation before generating ideas that are beneficial to FAMU, then why dont you inform the leadership in the foundation that there are Rattlers out here that are willing and ready to buy into a big vision and ideas. We're just waiting on them to step up and do their part of facilitating and promoting an effective, efficient system that will mobilize this FAMU giving machine. Thanks in advance!
I am very excited to hear about renovations across campus period. What bothers me is that I went to post the article on my Facebook account and happen to proof what my friends would view. I scrolled down to the comments on the article and received more bad comments oppose to awesome and positive responses to this project. I am currently a student and would love to help Rattlers strive to be the best there is. If there is anything that I can do to help, please reach out to me and I will see what I can do. I am currently working on the morale of the student body but will need your help. Keep in mind that current students are reading what the Alumni are posting. THese post are taking us(current) back ten steps. Much love,
ReplyDeleteTravis Roberts
Elected King of Orange and Green
2009-2010
In reply to 6/25/2010 12:30 AM
ReplyDeleteI have posted on message boards before the ABSOLUTE NEED FOR A FAMU CONFERENCE CENTER / HOTEL ON THIS STRATEGIC SITE. FAMU could do away with the LCCC and allow FSU to pay those exorbitant costs. During campus activities i.e. Career Expo's, Football/Basketball seasons there would be premier FAMU Hotel housing available. Another idea was to include in the aforementioned model some housing for student atheletes which could be monitored to reduce the usual potential for trouble.
Travis- It is an awesome first step for you as the official student body "cheerleader" to ask for help in this and other endeavors.
ReplyDeleteMy comments are as follows:
- Do you have a seat at the table on committees that are making decisions about current and future Rattlers? If not, you should.
- What actions are being put into place by the administration to improve morale across the campus? Ask administration for specific examples and proof of the improvements. Lip service, spin and lies will no longer do!
- As it relates to this project and the Gore Complex, what are the plans for sustainble building practices? I discovered that the Gore Complex (www.campusgreenbuilder.org/node/692 )is planned for LEED certification. Why isn't Polkinghorne. I would think where students live, eat and think is essential for the healthy living, which is an element of (and benefit) of LEED certification.
- Why is this information made available to the university by an "official communications" channel. This information should not show up first on a "non-sanctioned" FAMU communications tool/site.
- Why isn't the FAMUAN covering this?
- As these plans for new buildings occured years ago what steps are being taken to ensure new technologies and knowledge are incorporated into the plans?
- What other details can you provide about these plans? What will the rooms include, how many community spaces? What will be included in the spaces? This could and should be a major recruitment tools - what is the university's plan for using it as such?
- How is the Housing office planning for this new facility?
- Why isn't the FAMUAN covering the hiring of the new VP for Student Affairs?
- What input have cuurent students provided in this hiring process?
- Who are the student representatives on the selection committee? What input have they solicited from the student body?
Ok, I hope this enough to get you started - now I await your action!
Either you're part of the problem or you're part of the solution. Which would you be?
ReplyDelete