The Beta Theta Pi fraternity began a $12 to 13 million reconstruction project on the chapter’s house.
The reconstruction will replace a 47-year-old building as well as expand the chapter’s real estate. The new house is expected to be completed by July 2012.
This reconstruction comes after a 10-year effort from alumni to rebuild the home. New building codes that require all Greek Life houses to have fire sprinklers installed by 2016 also led to the decision to reconstruct the house during the 2011-12 school year. In addition, an anonymous alumnus made a “challenge donation” to the chapter, pledging millions of dollars if the construction began by May 2011.
“[He] wanted to make sure the undergraduate members were afforded the style of living [he] knew that we deserved,” chapter President Steven Glynias said.
Beta Theta Pi’s alumni have been a large factor in the reconstruction.
“We’ve been very fortunate that our alumni have been so forthcoming,” Glynias said.
One alumnus has been very close to the project — John States of Little Dixie Construction, who is working on the reconstruction himself. States attended MU in the ’90s and is a member of Beta Theta Pi.
The reconstruction will see a completely new house built in place of the old one.
“It’s a total teardown and rebuild,” States said. “There are significant changes. It’s a total, brand-new facility.”
Alumnus Dave Spence also donated to the project. Spence joined Beta Theta Pi in the ’70s.
“It was time to give back,” Spence said. “Now it’s [the alumni’s] turn to step up and help the next generation.”
Glynias said the chapter’s old house was not competitive with MU’s renovated residence halls. The old house did not have central air conditioning or reliable wireless Internet connections.
“I just think it’s a way to upgrade the facilities and stay competitive with the other housing choices on campus,” Spence said.
In addition to air conditioning and better wireless Internet, the new house will have many upgrades. The chapter purchased two apartment buildings that bordered the property on College Avenue and have plans to demolish those and expand the new house.
Glynias explained that the purchase of these buildings would significantly increase the size of the house, doubling its square footage. Still, the larger house will not be used to house more members.
“The old house could fit about 75 undergraduate members and the new house will fit 75 members as well,” Gylnias said. “We are at a size that we are happy with. Being the largest chapter on campus, we’re not necessarily looking to expand the chapter size itself. The rooms themselves will be a little larger but they won’t be housing more people.”
Instead of expanding the living space, the extra square-footage will house a 110-person auditorium, which the chapter plans to use for guest speakers and alumni who frequent the fraternity.
Other improvements include replacing all community-style bathrooms with suite-style ones and an all-sports court for basketball and Wiffle ball.
During the 2011-12 school year, the fraternity will relocate to the Delta Sigma Phi house. The Delta chapter will be [moving into a different house across the street](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2010/8/24/delta-sigma-phi-move-new-house/) and is leasing the old house to the Beta chapter. This location will house about 50 Beta members.
“It will be a little awkward during the first year with the temporary housing,” Spence said. “Everyone’s real excited about it and I think they’re willing to work through that. I think the short-term pain is worth it.”
