Sigma Chi - University of Michigan

FINISHING THE EFFORT— A HOUSE WE ARE PROUD TO CALL HOME I n 2000, with the help of committed alumni, the Residence Corporation completed phase I of the chapter house renovation. That renovation brought the house into compliance with building and fire codes, and consisted of new windows on the second and third floors, updated bathrooms, wiring throughout the house, and a complete gutting and reappointment of the kitchen. The 2000 project did not, however, address long-term issues with the building's exterior or improvements to the common areas that must be fixed to ensure a safe and modernized chapter house. To secure the future of the Sigma Chi house, the alumni leadership has identified three needs and opportunities: Setting the Standard, Ensuring Safety, and Planning for the Future. Setting the Standard. Several fraternities at the University of Michigan have invested millions of dollars toward upgrading or replacing their residential facilities; Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Phi Kappa Psi, and Sigma Phi Epsilon have completed major projects recently. As the closest fraternity neighbor to the Michigan Student Union, Theta Theta is in a unique position to attract students with the best location. However, to attract the top men to Theta Theta and provide an attractive home for alumni to return to, we must complete the renovation, update the exterior and common areas of the Theta Theta house, and set the standard at the University of Michigan. Ensuring Safety. Although the phase I renovation added a fire suppression system and removed asbestos on the second and third floors, additional investment in safety is needed. Phase II will remove all remaining hazardous materials from the house and provide a practical and safe space for the chapter. Additionally, a complete repair of the front and side porches will ensure the safety of brothers and their guests, as well as the structural integrity of the house. Planning for the Future. The 2000 renovation project required a mortgage of nearly $600,000 to complete. Phase II will pay off the high-interest debt and establish a Restricted Capital Improvement Fund. This fund will ensure the fraternity and house are financially secure and able to proactively plan for future maintenance expenses without being burdened by high-interest debt. "People have to understand that you just have to take care of an asset like that. Houses depreciate and need upkeep. We are in a position to help, and Theta Theta deserves our help." – William Swaney '60 Preserving Our Past, Securing Our Future 100 Years at 548 south state Phase 1: Second and third floor windows replaced Phase 1: Second and third floor sleeping dorms updated Phase 1: Kitchen renovation complete Theta Theta's location next to the Student Union is still the best on campus.

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