In 1992, Minnesota Alpha alumni purchased a large Victorian home that had recently been damaged heavily in a fire. The chapter’s Alumni and Volunteer Corporation undertook an extensive remodel to make the house livable and installed a central fire alarm system. Brothers have been living there ever since, with alumni supporting the constant upkeep required by the historic property. Over the years, they’ve updated the roof, bathrooms, carpeting and kitchen. As the chapter grew, the home’s meeting and study room was enlarged to create additional space for residential learning.

After 25 years of steady home improvements, alumni and volunteer leaders completed their first wide-scale renovation of the 8,800-square-foot house. The $440,000 project was made possible by gifts toward a $350,000 capital campaign and a refinanced loan through SigEp National Housing’s conduit lending program with BB&T.

When Minnesota brothers returned to campus for the fall 2017 semester, they found 80 percent of their chapter home had been renovated or enhanced. The entire house received new flooring, and drywall was repaired and repainted throughout the facility. Each of the home’s 20 bedrooms received upgraded light fixtures, outlets and switches, as well as professionally constructed loft beds that have improved safety and maximized space. Additional safety upgrades include a new sprinkler and fire alarm system.

Minnesota’s volunteers spent countless hours coordinating, planning and consulting with SigEp National Housing to create an environment capable of supporting chapter and individual success for years to come. The project was overseen by several volunteers, including AVC President Matt Beck, Iowa ’90, Treasurer Danny Czaja, Georgia Tech ’92, and Vice President of Facilities Jason Somrock, Minnesota ’02. As the AVC continues to raise funds toward its $350,000 goal, the project is being supported by major gifts from Beck; Somrock and his brother, Jeff, Minnesota ’05; as well as District Governor David McLaughlin, Minnesota ’92.