Preliminary designs for a new 500-bed residence hall at FAMU, to be constructed on the site of the former Paddyfoote housing complex, have been revealed. The design, crafted by Washington, DC-based architect David M. Schwarz, draws inspiration from FAMU’s historic buildings and features a traditional Georgian style commonly found on many American campuses.
The new facility will not only provide housing for students but will also include faculty offices and retail spaces. The design preserves the site’s heritage live oak trees and incorporates classical elements, ensuring a blend of modern functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Schwarz, the architect behind the project, is currently refining key aspects of the design. This includes the Main Lobby’s white oak decorative elements and custom terrazzo flooring. The team is also meticulously selecting materials for the interior, lighting solutions, and restroom designs to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
In 2023, FAMU had announced plans to construct a new dorm $60 million dorm on the site as a part of its plan to construct 2,000 beds of new campus housing, including the 700 bed dorm cur renting under construction.
FAMU broke ground in April of this year on a new 700 bed residence hall dubbed Venom Landing located on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Osceola Street. The dorm is expected to open this fall.
FAMU has been actively addressing its housing needs in recent years. Since 2017, the university has demolished six residence halls: Gibbs (2023), Diamond, McGuinn, Cropper, Wheatley, Truth, and Paddyfote (2021). Additionally, the Palmetto North Apartment complex met the wrecking ball in 2023.
In a bid to enhance its housing capacity, FAMU purchased a 116-bed apartment complex in March 2023 for $12.7 million, now named Rattler Pointe East. The university also acquired a 118-bed apartment complex in October 2022 for $12.6 million, now named Rattler Pointe West.
The new residence hall is expected to be a significant addition to FAMU’s campus, providing modern living spaces for students while preserving the historical and natural elements of the site.