New Housing Committee

Brett Miller - HI House Corp President.
October 2009

I have had a lot of questions about this recently, where we stand, etc. Currently the entire project is on hold. The numbers at the current property are extremely low and even though we have 27 pledges I can’t count on that number as future tenants unit they are initiated. We have had 5 guys become brothers in the past 4 years during the spring semester, so I’m not holding my breath there. Also, let’s be honest with each other right now; the economy sucks and we’re mostly all in industries/business that has been extremely effected by this downward tread. I could not nor will I ask or have someone else ask alumni for money at this time. Little things here and there; Yes, 1855 club; absolutely, $10,000 over the course of 5 years, no way. And these are the kinds of numbers we’re looking at. So we, your House Corp, will do everything we can to maintain our current house and deal with its’ issues as they come up.

Does that mean the new House Committee is dead? No. Of course not. We have suspended our operations at this moment.

• We have completed a Programming analysis with an architecture firm specializing in Fraternity housing.
• We have attended a few regional conferences on the issue.
• We have talked to our Grand Trustee about the topic.

All of which recommended that we continue to explore options, but deal with the property we have until the economy comes back around. We have also put into place the 5 year captain and pledge class representatives to widen the communication system. This seems to be working but we have had limited feedback on the program. Your New House Committee will continue to move forward towards our long term goal of having something to present to the alumni base at the 40th Birthday celebration in 2011.

Introduction

Brothers,

The Eta Iota Chapter is at a unique junction in our history. Our actives continue to define their place as leaders on campus and among the community. For nearly forty years our alumni have supported the chapter and now must take great strides to preserve our legacy. As you may know, the house was paid off this past year, but its condition continues to deteriorate. The House Corporation has enabled a diverse team of brothers to research and develop plans for the home of Eta Iota going forward from this point. This “House Committee” cannot, and should not, do it alone. We need your help to make the best decisions to ensure another forty years and beyond.

520 South Ridgewood has been “home” to all of us. Upon return, many alumni have said, “It’s good to be home”. It seems natural to continue building our legacy with new brothers moving into our “home” each year. However, we must evaluate the property on the basis of our active brother’s needs. The building’s foundation is strong and true, but the infrastructure and surroundings continue to have problems. The hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding coupled with normal wear and tear have taken its toll on the house. The roof is nearing the end of its expected life, the electrical is in need of a complete overhaul, the plumbing leaks on a monthly basis and the list goes on.

The house committee officially began working on the future living accommodations as of October 1st, 2008. A conference call between the board of directors, trustees, chapter advisors and several volunteers was held to determine where to begin. The goal is to investigate the many opportunities and select the best choice to preserve the past, evaluate the present, and strive for the future.

Eta Iota will be looking at three paths:

1. Staying at 520 South Ridgewood and remodeling.
2. Moving to a new property and building a new house.
3. Moving onto campus in Embry-Riddle’s proposed fraternity housing.
   

The committee will continue to relay information to alumni quarterly. This will be accomplished through the etaiota.org website, and the contact information you provide in our membership directory. If you have not updated your information, please do so as soon as possible. At this point, the committee asks two things of you: First, what would you like to see incorporated into the design of a new house? Second, we need volunteers; anyone who is willing and able to help, please let us know.

Thank you for your time and continued concern for the success of our chapter. While we expect an arduous journey with many hurdles, Eta Iota has a very bright future. We hope you are as excited as we are in creating this path for the Good of the Order and the Eta Iota Chapter.

In Hoc Signo Vinces

Eta Iota House Committee