Sigma Pi - Eastern Illinois University

S i g m a P i B e t a G a m m a . c o m 2 HOUSE RENOVATION BOARDS At last fall's CIAA annual business meeting, a vote was taken whether to rehab or relocate. There are a few questions that need to be ad- dressed. The first is if it is smart to throw that kind of money at an aging structure. According to our architect and engineer, the physical structure is in good condition for a structure that dates to 1890. Most of the costs associated with renovation are not structural (to the main buildings), rather more cosmetic. Why not start from scratch? Because we are in Charleston Historical Preservation District (CHPD) and demolition and rebuild on the current proper- ty is not an option. Moving to another location was not exciting to the voting members. You will recall the effort to update the property comes on the heels of a new state law that requires fraternity and sorority housing be equipped with a fire suppression system by January 1, 2019. That is a significant price tag. So, what's next? The CIAA leadership is pro- posing two plans for city consideration (and the Charleston Historical Preservation District). Plan I is a massive undertaking to lift the 956 property off its foundation. The old brick foundation will be replaced with a poured concrete foundation under the entire footprint of the House. Currently, only 55 percent of the footprint has a basement under it. This would allow for new bathroom facilities, HVAC room, storage, and a Chapter Meeting room. We move upstairs to rehab the kitchen into a new commercial facility with energy saving appliances. The dining room woodwork and wallpaper will be reconditioned. We are look- ing at an option to expand the seating capacity too. The other item on the first floor is to completely renovate the Housemother's suite. The remainder of the first floor are cosmetic improvements. One feature being considered is the return of the wrap around porch. It appears in pictures prior to the early '60s. This will be something the CHPD will contemplate. Back in the House to the second and third floors. This area will be reconfigured to allow for mini shared suites. The racks will not be utilized for sleeping. Again, most of the modifi- cations will be cosmetic. Not visible but a necessity will be new plumb- ing, electrical service, and of course the man- dated sprinkler system. Plan II eliminates the need to reconstruct a new foundation under 956. The idea is to connect our two neighboring facilities (956 and 964) with a great room (Chapter Room). To allow for this, the driveway entrance will be moved to behind the 964 property (entrance off Polk Street). This great room would be on a slab (ADA accessible) and span the distance between the two properties. The 964 property can be utilized as living space for the chapter or rental space if undergraduate housing commitments drop off. The current garage will come down and be rebuilt on the back of the lot with a clearance that would allow for float building. The other improvements to the 956 property will take place as previously described. Also, limited modifications will be made to the 964 property. We look forward to keeping you up-to-date with our project in future issues of the Be- ta-Gamma Gab. Grand Plan for the Undergraduates

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