Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

T his past summer, we addressed our most pressing public space safety concern by restoring our front steps to their original glory. Eighty-five years of Troy snow and ice had reduced the once grand entrance to a danger- ous and uneven approach. We excavated the dilapidated stairway, re-poured a new set of stairs, and installed new bluestone treads and landings to match the original stairs. The difference in both safety and appearance is stunning, as you can see to the right. Phase II Underway We will continue our public area restoration with a first-floor bathroom gut and renovation over winter break. As with our previous renovations, we will address any required structural and utility needs and return it to a period-appropriate design. We also have a unique Theta Xi architectural element planned. We've earmarked a small percentage of our overall budget for these highly impactful upgrades. Stay tuned for photos. The next project on our priority list is complet- ing the third-floor bathroom renovation scheduled for next summer (depending upon funds collected). The second-floor bathroom renovations have been well received by actives, men going through recruitment, and alumni. We plan to rebuild the third-floor bathroom with a similar design and standard. New RPI Program Presents Obstacle for Finances This fall, RPI announced a program for all students called Summer Arch. The program will require all students to remain on campus during the summer be- tween their sophomore and junior years and then take off one junior semester to work or study elsewhere. While RPI is currently refusing to consider allowing students to stay in non-RPI housing, the AIGC is petitioning to allow students to live in Greek houses. If we successfully lobby to allow brothers (and perhaps friends of the house?) to live at 1490 Sage Avenue, we could offset the revenue loss that the program will cost (losing one semester per junior). Our renovation plans address some changes we would have to make to retrofit our house for summer students. Phase III of our project includes plans to run HVAC duct work to all bedrooms. It would be easy to add air conditioning to select or all bedrooms. We are already contemplating increasing the scope of our fundraising and renovation campaign to allow us to replace our 85-year-old single pane windows. Increasing our revenue through Summer Arch may be another reason to make this commitment. Yours in the Bonds, David Fowkes '89 (A1275) Campaign Chairman ALPHA CHAPTER OF THETA XI FALL 2016 ALPHABET RENOVATIONS PROGRESS AS PLANNED, NEW OPPORTUNITIES AT ALPHA Original Campaign Goal Achieved—What Comes Next? After Before

• Cover