Page 1 - Beta Eta Feasibility Study Survey

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KAPPA SIGMA AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

FEASIBILITY STUDY

Beta-Eta Chapter Alumni Relations Office | P.O. Box 80828, Atlanta, Georgia 30366 | 770-903-3987 | www.auburnkappasigma.org

he ideals of Kappa Sigma have positively
Timpacted the lives of Beta Eta Chapter brothers
at Auburn University for over a century. With
over 1,500 initiated brothers, we represent one of
the largest alumni bases on Auburn’s campus. The
perpetual bonds of brotherhood we cherish continue
to resonate in the chapter today.

We understand from communications with
many brothers that there are different levels of
understanding of what has been happening with
the chapter for the last 18 years. The Hemlock
property was last occupied for residential purposes
in 2000, when a minor electrical fire that damaged
two rooms in the dormitory section set in place a
series of events with the university and various fire
authorities that kept the brothers from moving back Front Elevation
into the house. Since that time, there have been a
wide variety of options explored for the chapter’s The current House Corporation Board has been future residential unit expansion and is the
facility needs, including constructing a house on new discussing options for the chapter over the last largest fraternity parcel on the Auburn campus.
fraternity row and renovating the Hemlock property. several years. The board believes that the time is right Site plans will contain a planned second phase
There were two formal studies or capital campaigns to re-establish the chapter on the 104 Hemlock site. for this expansion based on expanded chapter
conducted by the house corporation boards during Highlights from the last several years include: membership in the future.
that period that for various reasons did not meet • The 104 Hemlock lease with the university was • After meeting with potential firms, the board
their stated goals. renegotiated in 2016, approved by the Auburn in early 2018 engaged (1) Hug Associates, an
Despite the challenges faced by the chapter with Board of Trustees, and recorded at the Lee County architectural firm to provide initial architectural
services for the lodge, and (2) Elevate, a fundraising
no permanent facility, it has continued to operate Courthouse. The lease, with an annual rent of $1, firm to conduct a detailed feasibility study for a
as a recognized Kappa Sigma chapter without provides for a 49-year term with a 49-year option. capital campaign. Both of these firms are based in
interruption, maintaining chapter houses in both The lease provides that construction of a new Atlanta and have a solid reputation in the Greek
on and off campus locations. Many fraternities facility must begin no later than the end of 2021. community throughout the U.S.
on campus with permanent houses have not had • The board worked with the university to address
this run of success, as they have been banned from the unsafe condition of the structure, including • Current active brothers and the House
campus by the university or had their charters environmental requirements, to demolish the Corporation Board have developed a design
revoked by their national organizations. The chapter house at 104 Hemlock, and to prepare the site for program for the lodge facility with Hug Associates.
currently has a projected base of 60 active brothers later construction. This was completed in 2017. • Discussions with the university have been
based upon current actives and an estimate of 20 fall • In looking at available options, and in ongoing throughout the process, including
2018 pledges. Chapter finances are sound. consideration of past fundraising efforts, the board recent submissions of architectural drawings
determined that a “lodge” concept at the 104 to the university campus architect for the
Hemlock site was the best course to follow given lodge concept and the preliminary design.
that the expense of a sizeable dormitory structure The university has demonstrated a willingness
would double the size of a capital campaign. A to work with us as we proceed through the
lodge facility of 4,000-5,000 square feet would design and construction phases. As part of
provide dining, meeting, and event space for the our submissions, the university required a
chapter and would include six residential units commitment to construct further residential
for chapter officers. The lodge facility will also be housing on the site in the future as the chapter
ideal for alumni gatherings, reunions, pre- and grows in size to potentially 80 to 100-plus
post-game sporting events with ample parking active brothers. The construction of the
available. Initial estimates of the cost of the lodge additional residential housing is not a part of
are in the range of $1.4-$1.75 million. the current feasibility study and the date to
• The Hemlock site is large enough to allow for (continued on page 2)
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