- The Epsilon Xi chapter of Sigma Chi is remodeling the once-abandoned fraternity house on Calhoun Road across from Bayou Oaks. It is slated to be complete early next year.
Though construction is an eyesore for many students at UH, it is a welcome sight for members of the Epsilon Xi chapter of Sigma Chi.
In 2008, Sigma Chi purchased the 8,000 square foot house located across from Bayou Oaks on Calhoun. When construction is completed, it will be able to house up to 29 members and will have parking spaces available behind the house.
The Sigma Chi house is the only one on campus that is unassociated with Bayou Oaks. Most Greek housing at universities across the nation are free standing houses, and the remodeling of the house on Calhoun is hoped to bring a more traditional feel to Greek life at UH.
“I’m excited about the future for our chapter and for our future members,” said Enrique Gausch, Tribune of the Epsilon Xi chapter of Sigma Chi.
The fraternity has been without an official house since 2008 when the chapter moved out of Bayou Oaks in anticipation of moving in to the new house across Calhoun.
The remodeling of the house will mean more than just a place to live for chapter members.
It will be a place for meetings, philanthropic events and social functions, though portions of the house have been remodeled already for the use of weekly meetings.
The remodeling and construction on the house is funded by various Epsilon Xi alumni.
Rusty Hruska, an alumnus of the University as well as the Epsilon Xi chapter of Sigma Chi, works with Intexure Architects, the firm responsible for making the plans for remodeling possible.
The new floorplan for the house includes 14 bedrooms and eight bathrooms upstairs. Each bedroom is complete with a separate study area for the occupants.
Downstairs holds a chapter study hall, two libraries, a kitchen, full laundry room, an extra bedroom, a women’s restroom and a men’s restroom.
“Insulation and sheetrock will be contingent upon the donations of alumni,” said Steve Smelley, Houston Sigma Chi House Corporation President and UH class of 1980 graduate.
The general contractor is Jason Millis of Millis Development and Construction, who graduated from UH in 1976.
“The estimated date of completion is sometime this spring,” said Magister of the Epsilon Xi chapter of Sigma Chi.
“We plan on members living in the house next year.”
The Grey Wolf strikes again!
Animal House
Otter: But you can't hold a whole fraternity responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn't we blame the whole fraternity system? And if the whole fraternity system is guilty, then isn't this an indictment of our educational institutions in general? I put it to you, Greg – isn't this an indictment of our entire American society? Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America. Gentlemen!
Bluto: TOGA! TOGA!
Animal House
Otter: But you can't hold a whole fraternity responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn't we blame the whole fraternity system? And if the whole fraternity system is guilty, then isn't this an indictment of our educational institutions in general? I put it to you, Greg – isn't this an indictment of our entire American society? Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America. Gentlemen!
Bluto: TOGA! TOGA!
I am glad to see the Sigma Chi's finally get to use their new home. Just a note on the article: The house was not abandoned. The house was the Sigma Nu Fraternity house and was sold to the Sigma Ch.
i heard they already spent all their money on parties and have none to renovate the house
Your repeating anonymous second hand reports of information.
::
GP
Hope they get all the BLACK MOLD out!!