Photo by: Justin Edmonds

On the first of this year, the DU chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity moved into a new $4 million house, located at 2217 E. Evans Ave.

The project was financed largely by Lambda Chi alumni and fundraising. The three-strory brick and limestone building is in the collegiate Gothic style of other Fraternity Row buildings that overlook the Driscoll Lawn, a focal point of campus social life and activities.

The top two floors include the living quarters while the ground level houses the kitchen, chapter room and entrance hall. The basement is large and offers recreational space complete with a pool table, couches and several flat screen TVs.

Currently, 25 members of the fraternity are living in the house, mostly sophomores and juniors.

Plans to build a new house have been underway since 2002.

“We are thrilled the house is open and excited for the opportunities it will bring to the chapter,” said Mike Smith, one of the chapter advisors of the fraternity and a DU 1975 alumnus.

The previous house, which was located in the same place, was vacant for the 2005-2006 school year, and was eventually demolished in the summer of 2006. Shortly after, construction began.

From 2005 until this month, the fraternity occupied the University Place Apartments, located near the Ritchie Center. During this period, Lambda Chi members retained the fraternity’s presence on campus despite the setbacks of apartment living.

“In certain ways, living in the apartments limited our fraternity,” said Rob Naughton, a sophomore. For example, weekly chapter dinners had to be relocated to the Driscoll Ballroom.

As a result, moving into the new house was a welcome change, said Naughton.

Essentially, it is a hang out, which the majority of the members say is the most important thing. Those who do not live in the house, typically seniors and freshmen, can stop by for lunch.

“Now, our fraternity has a central meeting point,” said Michael Villegas, a senior who experienced the original house, lived in the apartments and now resides in the new house. “It has created a true brotherhood.”

Since the new house is owned by DU, there are certain university policies on alcohol use and safety that the fraternity must follow.