FAMU marked a milestone in its campus modernization efforts Tuesday with the grand opening of Venom Landing, a new 700-bed, $97.5 million, multi-building, four story residence hall at the intersection of South MLK Boulevard and Osceola West Streets. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by newly appointed FAMU President Marva Johnson, underscored the university’s push to address soaring demand for student housing and bolster academic success.
“This facility will transform our campus and elevate student achievement,” Johnson said, emphasizing the dorm’s role in attracting and retaining students. “Providing quality living spaces is central to fostering the holistic growth of our Rattlers.”
Venom Landing, which broke ground in April 2024, arrives as FAMU advances plans for an additional 500-bed residence hall on the site of the former Paddyfote housing complex. Designed by Washington, D.C.-based architect David M. Schwarz, the new residence hall will mirror FAMU’s historic Georgian-style architecture while incorporating faculty offices and retail spaces.
The university’s housing overhaul follows years of strategic restructuring. Since 2017, FAMU has demolished six aging residence halls, including Diamond, McGuinn, Wheatley, Truth (2023), Paddyfote (2021), Gibbs Hall (2023) and the Palmetto North Apartments (2023), while investing $25.3 million to acquire two off-campus complexes: Rattler Pointe East (116 beds) and Rattler Pointe West (118 beds).
The latest projects aim to reverse a years-long bed shortage exacerbated by rising enrollment. “Expanding on-campus housing isn’t just about capacity—it’s about creating communities where students thrive,” said Johnson, noting that Venom Landing’s modern amenities and proximity to academic buildings align with FAMU’s student-first mission.
No date has been set for the construction on the new 500-bed residence hall. However university leaders reaffirmed their commitment modernizing the university's housing infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing student body.