FarmHouse Fraternity

FarmHouse Renewal at 809 W. Pennsylvania

Conditions Pre-2005

1. Footprint of the house cannot change due to zoning restrictions. Adjoining property not available.

2. Replaced slate roof, repaired brickwork.

3. No debt on the house, which continues today.

4. Urbana/University require sprinklers to be in place by March, 2012.

2005 – What do we do With FarmHouse?

• Stay at 809

• Association undertakes discussions involving undergrads and alumni: what should 809 look like?

– Tour recently renovated chapters

– Apartment model or traditional model?

Solution

• Traditional model with more privacy and informal living space.– 2006

• Architectural firms interviewed. Gorski-Reifsteck selected and commissioned to study 809.

• Architects draw up $3 million renovation: new kitchen, elevator, totally ADA compliant, new HVAC system etc.

– 2007-09• Bob Off retained to help raise $3 million.• At the same time, the economy tanks…worst since Great

Depression. Bob reports strong support from alumni, but financial uncertainty reigns.

– April 2009 - Campaign is suspended.

Fall of 2009

• Association asks architect: Can this be done in phases?

• Architect develops Phase I plan.

• $1 Million project, construction during summer only.

• Sprinkling deadline of March 2012.

Spring 2010

• Association Board authorizes campaign to raise at least $1 Million

• Kick-off is Homecoming with construction to take place Summer 2012

$1 Million Campaign

• Sprinklers

• New Windows throughout

• Fire egress stairwell

$1 Million Campaign

• Sprinklers

• New Windows throughout

• Fire egress stairwell

• “Public” areas of 1st floor renovated

$1 Million Campaign

• Sprinklers

• New Windows throughout

• Fire egress stairwell

• “Public” areas of 1st floor renovated

• 2nd floor informal lounge /deck

Phase II

• ADA compliance

• HVAC completion

• Study room reconfiguration

• Capacity of house = 64

Goal

• Goal is to preserve the FarmHouse opportunity and brotherhood at 809 W. Pennsylvania.

• We have partners in achieving this goal.

• FarmHouse International Foundation…two Illinois brothers serve on that board, Gary Ludwig and Mike Fayhee.

• Society for the Preservation of Greek Housing…Willard Broom and our architect, Chuck Reifsteck are on the Board of that organization.

• Both are 501c (3) organizations.

• It is now our turn to step up and make sure FH at 809 is here in the future. We need your help!