Sigma Nu - University of Kansas

1 THE STORIED HISTORY OF NU CHAPTER AT KU 904 Louisiana becomes the first "chapter house" rented by Nu Chapter, housing seven men. A membership explosion results in the retirement of all debt and a renovated basement. The dining room undergoes a $150,000 renovation with new lighting, flooring, tables, chairs, and steam table. Stubbs Mansion marks 100 years as the collegiate home of Nu Chapter. An access road allows the address to change to 1501 Sigma Nu Place. The Williams Wing two-story addition is added with two new sleeping dorms and an upstairs chapter room. This $250,000 renovation and addition houses nearly 80 men. It is financed through a new mortgage and sale of property. Alumni fund new fire escapes because of increased membership and crowded conditions. The house corporation mobilizes alumni to support the post-war debt and sell off portions of the property. The housemother's suite was expanded, and a baseball diamond is built. Stubbs Mansion (945 Emery Road) is purchased for $52,000. It is financed through the sale of the previous house, a $15,000 first loan, and a $22,000 second loan. Sigma Nu beat out three other fraternity bids for the property. Holding 48 men comfortably, it was known as the largest fraternal estate in the world at 28.5 acres. Its peak was considered the highest point in Lawrence. Alumni pledge $1,600 toward a chapter house fund in 1907; each active member signs an additional note to commit to a minimum of $10 per year for the next 10 years. By 1909, the chapter house fund totaled over $1,000 with an additional $4,000 pledged. 1901 1922 1937 1946 1951 1954 1968 2016 2022 1907-09 On June 21, Sigma Nu becomes the sixth fraternity established at KU, the 10th chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, and the first west of the Mississippi River. Housing 22 brothers, 1246 Oread Avenue is purchased for $13,000 (with $5,000 cash and a $8,000 mortgage). Elmer Engle, Nu '23, bought a 50-foot lot behind the property and donated it for the chapter to build a tennis court. This was the first major contribution in Nu Chapter history. The basement is sectioned off with the largest area becoming the chapter room, and a tennis court is installed. Alumni contributions fund first-floor furnishings, a switch from coal to oil for heating, and the screen porch on the south side is glassed in, providing additional dining space. With a growing membership, the Nu Chapter rents 1300 Louisiana. Alumni are approached to fund furniture for the new house. 1884 1903 1910 1924 1943-46 1948 1953 1955 2002 2021 The Navy V12 program took over the chapter house, leaving the brothers homeless. Over $8,000 worth of damages occur. A 100-seat dining room is built for $40,000. The east porch is replaced for $75,000, and a new air conditioner and chiller are installed for $130,000. The first extensive renovation is completed with an increase in capacity to 60, a new plumbing system, wall-to-wall carpet, and bathrooms overhauled. $13,000 with a loan of $6,000 and the sale of 9.5 acres ($1,000/acre) cover the cost. A major interior renovation of $800,000 transforms Stubbs Mansion into its current layout.

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