TKE Beta-Pi 2012 02 19

Construction continues apace at TKE Beta-Pi. The two upper floors of the old dormitory have been removed. The remaining first floor will be reconfigured as 2- and 3-man rooms and 3 additional floors containing 2-man rooms and study areas will rise soon.

Expect to see a large crane on site in the next few weeks, a younger sibling of the “African Queen” that did the work in 1994 perhaps, to place floor slabs as the new dormitory takes shape. By the end of April, the shape and size of the new building will be apparent. It will be stunning. The drawings do not fully convey how large the new building will be relative to its neighbors.

The undergraduate chapter is holding together well so far. The meal plan continues uninterruped and regular work parties keep the place in a semblance of good order although, as anyone who lived on site during the building of the social quarters in the 90s will tell you, one never really gets ahead of the dirt and dust at a construction site. They collegiate are using the remaining building as a social space despite the difficulties. This was made possible in part by the build out a temporary men’s head on the first floor.

By T-day in the spring, there will be a lot for alumni to see at the House!

The razing of the old building is not so much a demolition as a deconstruction.  It started a few days ago and will continue for a few more weeks.  The replacement building will be ready to occupy by 2012 Fall Term.

The Old Living Quarters is Coming Down (photo Dave Adcock)

Yesterday, 29 December 2011, John Reagan, Gary Minor and Scott Smelter met with the bankers and the attorneys and signed the papers. The loan is secured. The word is given. The old living space is coming down. Let Phase I of the major renovation begin!  We’ll be posting photographs of the construction from time to time.  In any case, expect something new and wonderful on the property at Homecoming 2012.

And a Happy New Year to all!

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
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The BOT has received a permit to take down the old apartment house/dormitory. The structure will not be so much “demolished” as “dis-assembled” in an orderly manner.  The undergrads have already “bugged out” and dis-assembly will begin soon.

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

Phase 1 Elevation from Techwood - Note the Scale of the New Building

The Board of Trustees met last Sunday, October 2nd, and reviewed plans for the upcoming renovation with the undergraduates. The contractor has been selected and packages are out to four banks now. If acceptable terms are reached, we’re set for demolition beginning in December.

Phase 1 of the project is being debt financed and will include razing and rebuilding the dormitory. The new rooms will be larger and have higher ceilings and built in lofts. The electrical system will be brought into the current century as will the windows and insulation. Four men will share a bath and each bath is configured so that sink, shower and toilet can be used separately. We anticipate significant savings in utilities in the new building.

The social quarters and kitchen will remain operable during construction. Nevertheless, it’s going to a challenge for the organization for the first half of 2012 as the chapter must hold itself together through this disruption.  It’s been done in the past though and, like the chapters of 1993-94 and 1995-96, we will do what we have to and emerge from the experience stronger.