The University of Denver will be home to a new $2.2 million Beta Omicron Chapter of Kappa Sigma house that will open next fall.
The new 12,000 square-foot building will include sleeping for 30-35 in rooms with suite-style arrangements. Suites will consist of two bedrooms that share a bathroom. Bedrooms will be available in doubles and singles. Also, for the first time in Kappa Sigma’s history, the new fraternity house will be fully air-conditioned and have a sprinkler system.
“We are encouraging members of our Greek system to improve their living and learning environments,” Chancellor Daniel L. Ritchie said. “It is important that each Greek facility practice responsible risk management and maintain sound physical facilities.”
Kappa Sigma’s house was the second fraternity house built on what is called “Old Fraternity Row.” The new house will sit on the same site it has occupied since first leased to the fraternity in the 1920s, only now it will face west toward the Campus Green.
In 2000 and 2001, the original house failed safety inspections. Kappa Sigma faced more than $110,000 in needed safety upgrades. Rather than create temporary solutions, the fraternity decided on an entirely new house in hopes that it would ensure Kappa Sigma’s future on campus. The old house was demolished to provide access from East Evans Avenue to the Sturm College of Law building.
“Kappa Sigma has been an integral part of the history of DU student life,” Ritchie has said.
“I am delighted that the university and this fraternity are working together to begin a new chapter for Beta Omicron.”
The university is supporting Kappa Sigma by matching $2 for every $1 raised. This is conditional only on the fraternity raising a minimum of $750,000 in contributions toward the project.
DU’s total investment will be at least $1.5 million. The fraternity has a 50-year lease, with five additional renewal terms of 10 years each, ensuring Kappa Sigma’s place at DU for the next 50-100 years.
The house includes a dining room, house mother/live-in-advisor suite, chapter room, library, laundry room, security and learning technology.
Other features include high-speed Internet connections for each student and cable television and local phone service proved in each suite.
According to the fraternity, the chapter will begin an assertive effort to build its undergraduate membership.
Alumni, staff, and undergraduate Kappa Sigmas from other chapters will assist in recruiting the men who will be the first to live in the new chapter house.
“Kappa Sigma was a leadership training ground,” said Edward Estlow, alumni and a DU board of trustees member.
“It teaches you responsibility, compatibility with others and motivation. And you will establish relationships that you will keep your entire life.”
