Renovations

Over the last two years Alpha Kappa has completed several significant renovations to the chapter house. During the summer of 2007, the main bathroom was completely renovated using funds won from the annual Tocco challenge, and through the generous donations of the Stegelmann family. This renovation was significant, with the old bathroom being completely gutted and rebuilt to better accommodate the every day needs of the brothers. Highlights of the renovation include a new full size mirror and counter (with two sinks), larger shower stalls to allow for more comfortable showers, a urinal for more private use during parties, a new more durable tile floor, and completely new fixtures all around. If the new bathroom is a sign of things to come for future renovations, the actives are excited to see them come to fruition. Finally, as a part of those renovations, a new utility sink was installed in the ‘coke’ room, and a new counter-top and floor was installed in the upstairs bathroom. While all of these are functional renovations, the actives are excited to see how they help during the recruitment process.

The 2007-2008 academic year also saw the renovation of Hell. Though it was completely renovated during the 2004-2005 Christmas break, continued flooding and mold problems forced more renovations to be undertaken. After flood prevention measures were undertaken, and were proven to work during the remainder of the Fall semester, the three brothers living in Hell for the Spring semester and a few other brothers, spent dozens of hours working in the basement to make it habitable. Their work included replacing damaged drywall, fixing broken ceiling tiles, and installing a cost-effective wood composite floor that can be removed and safely reapplied if Hell should flood again. To top it off, all of the living areas got a fresh coat of paint.

During the 2006-2007 academic year, a number of other smaller renovations occurred. The most important was the addition of a large window to the front bedroom on the third floor, which ensures that occupants have a quick and safe route outside of the room in case of fire. On the main floor, the plaster in the front entry and foyer were completely resurfaced, and the walls were given a two-tone paint scheme, separated by stained chair rail, all the way up to the second floor landing. The small renovation gives a more formal feeling to the house and better suits both the age and style of the house itself. Because the chapter had some money left over after those renovations, we also had the floors in the blue room, which is typically used as the dance room during parties, reinforced to be able to support more weight and remain stable. A similar measure was undertaken for the floor second floor, which was raised to be level and then reinforced. Finally, as a personal touch to honor Alpha Kappa’s re-founders, a special glass insert was added to the front door carrying the Sigma Chi crest, the date of Alpha Kappa’s re-founding, and the names of the re-founders. Though a small touch in the house as a whole, its a reminder to all of the brothers at Alpha Kappa of our history and the great examples we have to live up to.