The Needs...
The last major update to 831 West Hampton Drive was in the 1960’s - over 40 years ago! House Corporation has tried to maintain the house, but the funds are just not meeting the upkeep or the demands of a functioning sorority house anymore. In order to remain competitive in recruitment and maintain a safe and healthy living environment, a major renovation needs to be done.
An architectural assessment of the chapter house was completed during December 2006. The evaluation indicated many areas in need of great improvement. Among the most important, the need for a new addition/wing was determined as the house, in its current state, cannot facilitate a higher capacity.
In Fall 2006, Butler University’s Office of Student Affairs announced that as of Fall 2007, all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are required to live on campus. The other sorority houses on Butler’s campus can accommodate at least 65-70 women each. This is a real concern for Pi Phi because Indiana Gamma’s current house has a maximum capacity of 48 women. A new addition to 831 West Hampton Drive would allow Indiana Gamma to be more competitive during recruitment as potential new members take into consideration the fact that they must remain living on campus until they are seniors. Other sorority houses on campus have been remodeled recently, so Pi Phi now faces competition from fresh paint, plasma TVs, updated sleeping quarters, and larger capacities.
During recruitment, the updated look of 831 West Hampton Drive can influence a second look. Our House Corporation members hope that by keeping the structure up-to-date, we can “even the playing field” for recruitment and make the house a comfortable, functional and beautiful home for our outstanding young members. The architecture firm has been able to assess the needs of Indiana Gamma and suggests that the addition/wing be modeled after the “New” portion of the current structure. This addition would add symmetry to the structure and would feature additional space in the dining room, more standard rooms and a second cold dorm. Aesthetically speaking, the addition will be identical to the other addition –including a door such as “Heaven’s Gate.” More information will be available as plans are developed.
The following items need attention in order to maintain the physical structure and increase the capacity of the chapter house:
ä Replace the built-in furniture in rooms 00 – 15 (desks, dressers, and closets)
ä Replace the computer chairs in each of the study rooms 00 – 15
ä Improve efficient use of space in the study room (basement)
ä Improve efficient use of space in main meeting room to allow for more members
ä Replace worn out plumbing structures
ä Replace rotten wood on exterior of house
ä Complete tuck pointing between bricks
ä Replace worn windows and entry doors
ä Repaint the entire structure –inside and out
ä New addition/wing increasing the total house capacity by at least 28 women
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The Cost...
The total cost for these improvements is approximately $1,500,000, which is why your support is greatly needed. The Phase 1 goal of the Indiana Gamma Capital Campaign is $500,000 by September 2008, so that the most critical structural repairs can be completed during the summer of 2008. The remaining donations will be used to fund a new addition/wing as money is received and according to budget.
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