The following materials relate to the very extensive renovation that was the initial plan for renovation, similar to what was done several years before at 530 Beacon Street for the Phi Kappa Sigma house next door. The cost was projected at $2.9 million. At this price tag, the Alumni Corporation did not find sufficient enthusiasm for a project of this scale. Consequently, after almost three years of investigation, the Alumni Corporation and Fundraising Committee decided that a better target would be the more modest renovation decribed in the current brochure.
- Renovation announcement letter - October 2005
- Request for Proposals - November 2005
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Architect Feasibility Study - January 2006 (mulitiple pdfs)
The feasibility study was completed by Linea5 Architects in late January, 2006. Linea5 was the team selected by the Oxen Building Committee because of their all around design and technical excellence and intimate knowledge of Boston building conditions.
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Presentation at Alumni Weekend – April 2006
On Saturday, April 15 as part of Alumni Weekend 2006, three brothers reviewed the status and plans for the renovation. The assembled Oxen first heard from brother Ilkka Suvanto '68, a professional Boston architect, who headed the Oxen Building Committee. He explained the process and conclusions of the Linea5 Architect Feasibility Study - January 2006.
The building is sound but has never had a real renovation in 80 years and is getting tired. Next, brother Jim Thompson '79, who is also a professional architect but in Pennsylvania, gave some perspective on national fraternity and Theta Chi housing information. Jim is former president of national's Norwich Housing Corporation and is a candidate for election to the Grand Chapter. He referenced two recent articles he wrote in The Rattle, "The New House that Brotherhood Built" and "Bricks, Mortar, and Truisms."
Finally, House Corporation President Steve Paik '97 covered the overall timetable and upcoming plans for a Fundraising Feasibility Study. There were naturally a lot of questions from alums, actives, and friends, and brother Bob Ferrara '67, Vice President of the House Corporation, served as moderator for this event. Afterwards everybody adjourned to the Crossroads and the evening's party, which was a good one!
- The Case for Renovation – March 2007