Street sign of where the duplexes are located. (Kiya Daye/FAMUAN)
For years, FAMU students have watched upscale housing rise near FSU while options near FAMU’s campus remained limited. That is finally changing.
Just two minutes away from FAMU, a newly built luxury style duplex has welcomed its first tenants, while two identical properties are already under construction next door.
This project is being led by Dr. Christopher Daniels, President of SMRT Capital and FAMU alumnus. Daniels says his goal is to ensure the Rattlers have the same high quality living opportunities available to FSU students.
“It started with the thought, why not us, “Daniels said. “FAMU students deserve finer things, they love luxury things. So, I decided to build something nice, something beautiful, something that we can be proud of right next to campus.”
The first duplex that was built that students are now living in. (Kiya Daye/FAMUAN)
These duplexes will have features that are not seen in most student housing in the area. Unlike typical apartments that prioritize density and low cost, these homes are designed to give students a more comfortable and independent living space.
With modern layouts and updated appliances, these duplexes aim to raise the standard and create an environment where students can truly feel supported and at ease.
“We have stainless steel appliances; we have granite countertops,” Daniels said. “We have tiled in showers, and we also have an additional half bath that most places don’t have. Every bedroom has a bathroom in their room.”
Jenascia Madison, senior political science student, says she has struggled with finding safe, affordable housing near campus.
“It’s been so hard, my freshman year I was in Seminole Grand,” Madison said. “I wouldn’t even say it was safe. There was a lot of mold everywhere and invested with roaches.”
She believes that better affordable housing near campus will be beneficial to her overall academic success and college experience.
“I feel like more affordable housing and more luxury apartments, instead of just throwing us the trash, and then telling us its livable would be great,” Madison said. “It will help my sanity, mental and physical living.”
After moving to a new apartment every year due to ongoing issues, Madison has now found housing that she believes is up to standards but does mention that it is not quite affordable or near FAMU.
“I finally found a place where it is decent, but it is downtown closer to where FSU is, and it’s very expensive, so it’s been very hectic,” she said.
Antoine Wallace, CEO of VETT Acquisition Consulting LLC, says that this project will show current Rattlers that if you stay consistent, you can create something great for the community.
“I want readers to know and understand that all it takes is consistency and a vision, and projects like these or even bigger can be done,” Wallace said. Just with a couple pieces of land, we’ve been able to do over $1 million in development in the past year.”
Second duplex that is currently under construction. (Kiya Daye/FAMUAN)