tural, financial and operational feasibility of the project. This effort resulted in three challenges to be addressed before closing the deal.
Michigan Alpha now has 44 tenants and one resident manager/graduate student advisor living in a stunning new home, and the chapter is on track to become a Residential Learning Community. 1. Architectural: The building was in the The library alone, formerly the church right size range for a 120-man chapter, sanctuary, would be the envy of any but the floor plans needed to function for school. With ornate trim and vaulted ceilup to 45 beds in addition to the common ing, the library will include study tables spaces. The costs for renovating the and comfortable furniture to help create 130-year-old structure needed to fit the a residential learning environment. budget. Fortunately, the architectural The commercial kitchen, adjacent to the style of the building was not overly social and dining area in the lower level, ecumenical, so the conversion from a is scheduled to be fully operational by church to a fraternity was aesthetically the end of 2012. A professional, in-house feasible. chef, formerly a private chef to several 2. Financial: The budget needed to support NFL athletes in Florida, will manage the the debt service required for the total kitchen operation for the chapter. project costs—purchase, renovations, and The completion of this project is a soft costs. And the local alumni had to crowning achievement for a strong demonstrate the beginnings of a success- SigEp chapter and its dedicated alumni. ful fundraising campaign to eventually The timing coincides with the chapter’s provide $1.3 million in equity in the October 12-14 centennial celebration, for project. which over 300 alumni and family are 3. Operational: The AVC needed to obtain expected as the Journal goes to press. advance commitment from 44 brothers to The festivities include an informal Friday evening dinner and cocktails, a reception lease bedrooms in the building. Special along with the Homecoming game against exception permits had to be procured Illinois, and a formal centennial banquet from a hearing before the Ann Arbor and house dedication ceremony on City Planning Commission. They had to Saturday night. The celebration ends on select a contractor and local architect Sunday morning with a farewell alumni and assure the right timing for ending the existing lease and occupying the new brunch. This is a fitting tribute for the dramatic new Michigan Alpha home to building. serve as the cornerstone for another 100 After more than two years of due diliyears of success. gence and seven months of construction,
The ornate details and trim work add visual appeal to the interior spaces.
Michigan Alpha Facts Fall 2011 GPA: 3.34; ACA: 3.29
GPA rank among fraternities: 4/30 Intramural Champions: Record-breaking 25 championships on campus in chapter history, including 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Varsity Athletes in: Football and tennis Prominent alumni include: Donald Graham, ’55, founder of Graham Engineering, honorary co-chair of Michigan’s “The Michigan Difference” fundraising campaign, whose lead gift launched the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan. Johnny Maulbetsch, 1916, All-American member of Michigan’s varsity football team, head coach, basketball and football at Oklahoma A&M, and College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Andrew Richner, ’82, elected to Michigan House of Representatives in 1996, 1998, and 2000, partner at law firm Clark Hill PLC in Detroit, Mich., and elected to the University of Michigan Board of Regents, 2002 and 2010.
Michigan Alpha brothers moved into their new house in late August.
RED DOOR NOTES
7