Beta Theta Pi - University of Wisconsin

ALPHA PILOT Alpha Pi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Wisconsin SUMMER 2020 THE High Expectations Remain at Alpha Pi in the Midst of COVID-19 Beta Building Association Plans for Next Round of Renovations W ith the active membership still at record levels, we are expecting another full house for the 2020-21 school year and are taking precautions to make sure our members have a safe environment. While this means we don't know when we can gather again for tailgates and other events, we look forward to welcoming you back when it is safe to do so. The Beta Building Association has been hard at work with planning for our next round of renovations, which you can read about in more detail in the article by Bart Kocha '80. I also encourage you to read the article by Jim Egan '79 about Tom "OB" Oberwetter '74 and his impact on Alpha Pi over his decades of service. We will be formally honoring OB at one of our future alumni events. On behalf of the entire BBA, thank you for your continued support of Alpha Pi. As we live through these unique times, remember that "through light or darkness, shine the stars of Beta Theta Pi." Yours in _kai_, Max Lord, #1991, UW 2007 President, BBA of Madison L ast fall, we shared the strategic effort that went into building our beloved chapter house in 1925-26. • Choosing the finest architects available • Recognizing waterfront setting as a desired location • Understanding the value of immediate adjacency to UW property • Selecting the Mediterranean Revival style to enhance the beautiful shores of Lake Mendota To recapture the historic beauty of the original chapter house, we once again turned to the original architects, who now operate as Potter Lawson, Inc. We completed a comprehensive facility assessment that focused on the depth and urgency of infrastructure needs, safety and building code issues, and first floor renovation projects. We are addressing each of the focus areas. A new boiler was installed and masonry repairs were completed in mid-August. Priority safety and building code issues have been scheduled for completion over the next year with several being tackled this summer. Three renovation projects will be completed in time for recruitment this September. The restored foyer, lobby, and stairs will better reflect the glamour and elegance of the original design. The kitchen and serving areas have been redesigned to better accommodate a full house. Guests will once again have a first floor restroom option. The ongoing improvements will help the actives attract a new generation of young leaders. Beyond the 2020 renovation, we will balance the need to update the infrastructure while simultaneously restoring the chapter house. Our next infrastructure project will involve updating air conditioning throughout the house. Future renovation projects suggested by Potter Lawson include restoring the fireplace mantle and adjacent shelves, rebuilding the billiards room with a UW Badgers theme, replacing the vinyl flooring, adding doors to the lakeside terrace, and reconstructing the original lakeside veranda. A summary of completed projects and future plans will be provided in October. The capital campaign supporting the Preservation of the Alpha Pi House has raised over $850,000, roughly half of what we need from our five- year campaign. To donate, checks can be made out to Alpha Pi Alliance and mailed to c/o Travis Lemke, 1254 Scenic Ridge Drive, Verona, WI 53593. If you have any questions contact me at bkocha@wi.rr.com or 262-210- 7035. Yours in _kai_, Bart Kocha, #1613, UW 1980 POTTER LAWSON INC. PLANS TO RECAPTURE AMENITIES OF ORIGINAL CHAPTER HOUSE Preservation of the Alpha Pi House Campaign Surpasses $850,000 betawisconsin.org Beta Theta Pi – University of Wisconsin beta_wisconsin linkedin.com/ groups/1207295

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