OK, so this might not be everything you want to know, but here are some questions and answers about the project.
OK, so this might not be everything you want to know, but here are some questions and answers about the project.
Q: Who's in charge?
A: Well, our Building Committee (Calmas, Csatari, Bonus, Chapman, Danehey, Jenckes) is managing the project, with much assistance from Bollie Bollenbach '78, has set the scope and interviewed several architectural firms. As required by our bylaws, the full board will have to approve all major decisions.
Q: Who is building the addition?
A: The Building Committee has retained Pizzagalli Construction to develop a design/build plan, based on the design work done by Arcadia Designworks.
Q: Who is paying for all this?
A: Well, you are. We need to raise a minimum of $500,000 from the membership. If you're ready to help out now, you can visit this page and make your contribution.
Q: What is the schedule?
A: Here is the current schedule.
.......... 6/13/2008: Board to vote on final design and construction plan
.......... Summer 2008: Obtain necessary approvals and permits
.......... Late Fall 2008: Begin construction
.......... Spring 2009: Construction completed
Q: Why have the renovations become a priority now?
A: Several years ago the College mandated that Fraternities meet certain safety and handicapped accessibility standards and the time period for compliance has come due. We have to have a plan in place by June to address these issues within the next year or risk losing college privileges and potentially recognition. The letter we received in December 2007 from the Dean of Residential Life is posted HERE.
Q: When was the last structural renovation to the house?
A: No structural renovation to the house has been done since it was built in 1925. However, over $250,000 in improvements have been made in the last eight years. In 2000 a new boiler and hot water heater were installed, the heating system was switched from steam to forced hot water, the basement was stripped down and re-done, a new bathroom was built on the 2nd floor and laundry facilities installed in the old bathroom. More recently the front yard was re-graded and concrete
walkways installed in order to provided handicapped access.
Q: Have other houses undertaken similar projects?
A: Yes. Almost all the other houses have done projects to add an enclosed second means of egress. This past winter the TDX building committee toured several of these other houses with College officials. Our budget of $800,000 is similar to what has been spent by the other fraternities. The few other fraternities not in compliance have more extensive work and will be trying to raise $2-3 million.
Q: Are there additional projects that may require more funding in the future?
A: The Surf. The deck on the top of the house can not be used as it does not meet current safety standards. In order to make this usable again we would have to install 2 stairways to the roof from the attic as well as do some other structural work. This is a substantial project which we will not be able to afford unless we raise well in excess of our current fundraising goal.