FAMU planning major changes to Palmetto South

FAMU officials are currently surveying the Palmetto Street South apartments for potential renovations and new construction.

During the recent Board of Trustees retreat, President James H. Ammons stated that the university might demolish and rebuild the complex, entirely.

Palmetto Street South opened in 1993 and has a capacity of 360 students. The complex consists of consists of four three-story brick apartment buildings. Currently, they house both male and female students in separate buildings. Each apartment suite contains two or three bedrooms with kitchen, dining/living room, bathrooms, and storage closet.

A separate Commons Building within the complex includes a laundry, vending area, office, and recreation/TV room and computer lab with wireless Internet connections.

FAMU’s 2004 Student Housing Comprehensive Plan stated that Palmetto Street South is in need of upgrades to its HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. The piping and plumbing systems also need to be either upgraded or replaced.