Alpha Gamma Rho - University of Florida

University of Florida ALPHA GAMMA RHO Building Our Future T he alumni leadership, with the help of Mike Puckett '85 and Ai Collaborative, Inc., has assessed the long-term needs of the chapter house and developed a plan to address those needs. Through conversations with and counsel by alumni, it was determined that a new house be built to meet the needs of today's students and the UF fraternity system. In all areas, the design addresses mandatory building, life-safety, fire, and all applicable code requirements, while maximizing communal study and living spaces. In addition, there has been special attention on the use of practical and durable building materials, finishes, and fixtures. Maintenance is a major design objective and the Alpha Gamma House Association is committed to professional maintenance and cleaning upon completion. The aim is to provide a safe living and learning environment for many years while maintaining the storied history of AGR at Florida. In putting together the project scope, an estimate totaling approximately $5.5 million for the more than 25,000-square-foot facility will complete the goal. The new facility will sleep 50 students and provide communal gathering space for alumni returning to campus. "A new house will provide us a more presentable way to represent Alpha Gamma Rho to potential new members as well as university leadership. Moving to fraternity row will increase visibility during recruitment, enabling us to attract additional, strong new members." – Charlie Reynolds, Recruitment Chairman PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS • Build an attractive brick and mortar structure with durability and aesthetic curb appeal • Accommodation of 50 men on a new university site at the end of "Fraternity Row" • Retain two-man rooms with private bath/restroom facilities • First floor, efficient apartment for live-in supervision of chapter house activities (House Mother/Director Suite) • Informal and formal study spaces, including areas for individual and group study, and gathering space for brothers living off campus • Full-service kitchen to provide meal service with increased efficiency and to improve financial performance through additional revenue • Technology to make power usage efficient, increase reliable internet access, and prepare the facility for the next 20 years • Mandatory life-safety compliance with sprinklers, fire-rated doors, and full adherence to code specifications • Large front and rear raised patio to enhance visual approach and maximize useable outdoor space • Enhanced parking and green space for philanthropic Greek events, alumni reunions, and chapter brotherhood development ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS Square footage of four-story building: 25,756 Cost/sq. ft.: $265 Contingency, FF&E: $174,660 Total cost: $7,000,000 *The 2007 cost estimate of $5.5M has increased due to inflation and current construction market cost. This new estimate of the new facility and furnishings is based on the construction of similar facilities in and around the Gainesville area and currently listed construction costs of like buildings. These figures are for discussion purposes only. A full bid package and cost assessment is being completed during the final design phase to ensure the long-term viability of the structure and its financing. *These images and floorplans are conceptual in nature and are subject to change following the fundraising success and final design process.

• Cover