Alumni President Update on Construction and Future

Dear Brothers of Omega Chapter:

The last few months have been busy ones at Omega Chapter. Efforts have been focused on identifying and prioritizing repairs and upgrades to the Chapter House and determining how improvements to the facility will be funded.

Robert Hoffman, an architect from Boalsburg, was hired to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a proposed renovation plan for the Chapter House. The preliminary results of Mr. Hoffman's research were discussed at the Chapter during the well attended March 22 special meeting (the study and plan was completed and presented to the alumni association on April 1, 2003; a copy can be found by following this link.

At the special meeting, alumnus members discussed at length the best course of action to provide a safe and presentable living environment for Fall 2003 occupancy, while at the same time working toward the more extensive renovations that will provide a safe and competitive living environment for many years to come.

The short-term repairs and improvements are nearly complete. This work included:

• Basement ground floor level: replace all broken glass, repair laundry room and bathroom ceilings and lights, patch all holes in walls (including huge holes behind radiators), paint dining room ceiling and walls, repair wooden stair railing and banisters, seal french doors. 
• Main Floor Level: paint walls and trim, replace suspended ceiling, replace broken glass, repair openings in walls and ceilings, repair handrail and banisters, repair exit stair tower doors and hardware, replace and properly wire ceiling light fixtures, repair water damaged sections of floor.
• Second floor: student rooms (five rooms to be occupied in Fall 2003): replace doors and frames, patch and paint walls and ceilings, replace and properly wire light fixtures; replace hallway ceiling and lights, fire caulk around room doors.
• Roof: inspected and repaired to stop leaks and further damage to front corner bedrooms, living room and pool room.
• Fire safety: install Knox Box at kitchen door for Fire Company use, repair emergency lighting system, fire detection system, exit signs and magnetic closers, smoke detectors installed in student bedrooms.
• Boiler room: new hot water storage tank (we had no hot water due to hole in old tank).
• Electrical: replace second floor electrical panel (it was not properly grounded to main panel), secure electrical receptacles, install cover plates and replace light switches throughout.

The project was performed by John Spearly Construction, Inc. of Bellefonte. Cost of demolition, disposal and repairs totaled $59,500.00.

The next most immediate concern is furniture for the bedrooms (beds, dressers and desks), living room, foyer and pool room. All existing furniture is at the end of its useful life. We've started a fund drive in an effort to refurnish the common areas and bedrooms. Your donations to the fund drive and ongoing financial support are greatly needed and truly appreciated.

We have received a bid of just over $66,000.00 for the architectural and engineering fees associated with implementing Phase II of our renovation project. For those who have not viewed the feasibility study on the web, the scope of Phase II (in brief) includes a sprinkler system for the entire facility, new insulated windows and french doors, completion of electrical upgrades, new boiler, new fire alarm system and repairs and replacements of walls and ceilings. Present cost of the defined project is calculated to be just over $658,000.00.

On the financial front, we secured a loan from the Norwich Housing Corporation in the amount of $110,000.00 to cover our current repairs and to remain solvent while occupancy and rental income increase. Plans for a major capital campaign are under way to cover the cost of our current work and to fund the major phase of renovations.

I look forward to seeing you at the Chapter House for Homecoming on October 4, 2003. Please plan to stop by the Chapter House after the game. We'll have an informal meeting at 4:30 on Saturday after the football game. You'll have an opportunity to meet fellow alumni and our new undergraduate members, check out the results of our current repair project and review and discuss information for the next planned phase of renovations that will make the Chapter House a great living environment and Penn State home for many years to come.

Thank you for your continued support of Omega Chapter. 

Fraternally,
Edward M. Brown
President
Theta Chi of Penn State