City design commission members granted final approval Wednesday for plans to reconstruct a new Theta Chi fraternity house, located at 210 Langdon St., with some conditions.
John Graan, President of the Theta Chi Housing Board, said Sept. 18 the existing Theta Chi house requires reconstruction due to an out-of-date sprinkler system that is not consistent with current codes.
The new Theta Chi fraternity house would be located at the existing site where the current house would be deconstructed to make way for the new building.
Theta Chi’s new house would consist of three floors with housing space for 40 members. The house also features common areas and study rooms on each floor, in addition to outdoor patios on the first and second floors, according to project architect Randy Bruce.
After hearing feedback from previous UDC meetings, several changes to detail were made to the design, including a smaller front entryway and patio on the first floor, in addition to darker windows.
Even with the changes, UDC member Dawn O’Kroley said the commission needed to take a closer at the design of the building due to the historic nature of the neighborhood.
These minor changes to detail included landscape decisions, such as the types of trees used and the types of building materials for the window sills.
“This is one of the most precious, historic districts in the city, so I really think that the details need one more refinement,” O’Kroley said.
Theta Chi Communications Chair Albert Chen said the new house would increase the sense of community among the fraternity brothers.
“It is so important to have a central house and location where a lot of the brothers live because it is a great way to build brotherhood, and it’s very convenient for chapter meetings and gatherings,” Chen said. “It also gives members the chance to learn from their brothers and study together.”
Theta Chi members are also looking forward to the new house and view plans as positive change, according to Chen.
“We are all proud of our current house, but we are excited to show our new house off to our parents and friends and be proud of our chapter,” Chen said.
Project architects will not have to formally present the plans before UDC again, but the requested changes will have to be met before further progress can be made.
The Plan Commission will review the updated project plans at its meeting Jan. 28.
