Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Missouri • Spring 2017 E very summer, the Alpha Nu House Corporation engages in its own version of a television show like HGTV's Fixer Upper. Like the homeowners on these shows, the list of projects to complete is long, but our resources are limited. In the spring, the board takes a look at potential projects and determines which projects cannot wait and those that have to wait a year (or longer) until time and resources allow us to move forward. Not all decisions are based purely on dollars and cents. There are projects that must happen because we have some infrastructure issues that need to be addressed. And then there are others that match our desire to stay competitive with other Greek houses in order to continue recruiting strong new member classes. Often our projects meet both criteria. For instance, in 2013 we took on a major renovation project to the main and lower levels of the chapter house not only to update décor, but also to make better use of the space available. Thanks to the generosity of alumnae participating in our capital campaign, we took on this extensive project. Seeing so many chapter members using all parts of the house now tells us that this was a good investment. But the 2013 renovation was only the beginning. In 2014, we completed a major overhaul of the bathrooms on the north end of the house to make the space more efficient. In 2015, our focus turned to safety and sustainability improvements to the house, a new parking lot within a few hundred feet of the house, fingerprint locks on all exterior doors, security cameras, a high-efficiency boiler, a new water softener and upgraded lighting in the common areas. In 2016, we moved upstairs to the living quarters where we replaced aging doors and locks with new fire-rated doors and combination locks. And these are only the major projects outside of the usual routine maintenance. For 2017, we are looking toward the major renovation of more bathrooms, and a major facelift for the front of the house. The bathrooms on the south side of the house, which were last renovated in 2002, not only need an update in décor, but we also need to address some leaking issues. We also have plans to update the bathroom in the house director's suite, which was last renovated in 1988 and is in need of better space planning, and the president's room bathroom. The president's room was added in the 1988 renovation on the main level of the chapter house; this renovation will convert it into a fully ADA-compliant facility. Instead of just updating, we want to upgrade so that we have a room available when the time comes that we need this for a member. The total cost for these three bathroom projects is estimated at $184,000. However, we also see a need to update the curb appeal of 900 Richmond. Unfortunately, the crew from Yard Crashers isn't waiting to do this for us for free. We considered two firms with unique designs that upgrade the front yard, porch and sidewalk to bring it all in sync with our English Tudor-style home. But this project comes with a hefty price tag of about $100,000. Considering that the average price for tearing down and replacing a sorority house is around $6 million, this is a drop in the bucket to have a new "look" for our home. Now you see the dilemma. Four worthy projects in terms of infrastructure needs and the desire to remain competitive, yet they will cost more than $280,000. And this expenditure does not include things like maintenance of the HVAC system, continued replacement of bedroom furniture, heat sensors in the attic, additional security cameras and other needs to keep the house running smoothly. We have to make hard choices because we need to keep significant funds in reserve for the unexpected repairs that insurance might not cover, as well as set aside money for future extensive projects. So, just like in Fixer Upper, some things might need to go on the backburner for another summer, and others might require us to stretch our budget a little more. Or maybe we just need to place a call to Yard Crashers? Stay tuned for our fall issue, in which you'll find out more about the choices we made. Loyally, Karen Neylon '79 Treasurer, House Corporation Board neylonk@gmail.com Just Like One of Your Favorite HGTV Shows House Corporation Board Prepares for Summer Projects Our beautiful chapter house sparkles and shines with Christmas lights. A proposed rendering for landscaping work in front of the Alpha Nu chapter house.

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