This is an exhilarating time in Alpha Tau Omega’s existence at the University of Kentucky. As our fifty-one year tenure at 340 Clifton Avenue/341 Hilltop Avenue comes to a close a new period has been inaugurated at 441 Pennsylvania Avenue. This has been a long journey undertaken by many dedicated alumni and undergraduates alike who agreed our housing situation was a topic of the utmost concern. As many of you are aware rumors have circulated for years concerning the future of the Mu Iota Chapter’s house. Whether real or feigned these threats had lingered over the chapter’s head for too long hindering investment into the long-term maintenance of the physical building.
It was with a proactive mindset and a determination to separate fact from fiction that our Board of Trustees and House Corporation approached the University of Kentucky in the summer of 2006. Chief among the rumors we sought to clarify was the validity of the purported W.T. Young Endowment provision that called for green space on the environs surrounding the new library completed in 1998 of which we occupied a portion. Additionally the chapter had been told repeatedly that if it chose to relocate off of campus that it would lose its student organization status with the university and cease to officially exist. As is oftentimes the case when dealing with the university bureaucracy it took years and many sources to ascertain the truth.
Nevertheless we persevered with a freedom of information act request that verified the existence of the endowment provision that did in fact call for, “(the) four non-library related structures (fraternity houses) on the Library Site… be removed… not later than ten years from the date of this agreement (which was September 15, 2008).” Non-compliance with this provision called for the termination (at the discretion of its foundation) of the endowment which is alleged to be the second largest for a public institution in the nation and provides for the upkeep of all university volumes. Having identified a real threat we moved our attention to the murkier assertion. This myth had been perpetuated by many of the university staff over the years and was really only clarified after another fraternity simply moved off of campus and took up residence without penalty.
Our next step was gauging the primacy and legitimacy of our lease. Written in 1959 it guarantees its own automatic renewal every four years in perpetuity. However, it also contains language in one of its clauses pertaining to life safety and structural issues that could cause the chapter to temporarily vacate the house. Numerous issues existed in the house ranging from asbestos and lead to leaking walls and electrical problems. In such a case that the chapter was compelled to leave, even temporarily, the house would be in imminent danger of demolition as the university demonstrated with other fraternity houses on campus. Every legal expert we consulted eventually concurred that yes, we had a legitimate legal argument with the university but would ultimately lose any protracted legal battle and the chapter would suffer the consequences.
Armed with this knowledge we continued discussions with the university concerning alternative locations for a new ATΩ House and compensation for the value of our lease and leasehold improvements. At this point in time we began to seriously contemplate two options: stay on campus or purchase a property nearby. Both options had positive and negative aspects. Building on campus would enable us to obtain a piece of university land, a ninety-nine year lease and the ability for alumni to deduct donations from their taxes by channeling the money through the university’s development office. However, the university would own the building we funded and the land, all fraternity employees (house director, cook etc…) would be considered official university employees and be entitled to significant salaries and benefits, and if the chapter ever vacated the building for any reason the university would maintain ownership and we would not be compensated. Building off campus (really any of many properties in the immediate vicinity not owned by the university) would give us outright ownership and equity of the property. However we would still have to purchase the land, fund the construction of the facility and any alumni contributions would not be tax deductable.
Still determined to face this looming threat to the future of the chapter the Board of Trustees assembled a steering committee comprised of concerned alumni in the early months of 2007 to investigate the feasibility of a capital campaign. Many brothers from far and wide heeded the request for assistance in the preparations for this unprecedented effort. Many hours were spent laying the groundwork for communication and donations as well as further research into the university’s position and all available options. It was just as these activities were gaining their stride that the BOT had to shift its focus to the planning of the incredibly momentous Centennial Celebration that took place February 21st, 2009. The details and organization of this event commemorating the chapter’s inception required the energy of every member and was ultimately a rousing success.
Post-centennial plans were back on schedule with a major milestone summit scheduled for May 2009 when an unexpected opportunity materialized. Another Greek organization had been compelled to vacate their eight year old university owned residence after having been found guilty of several serious infractions. We were approached informally to assess our interest before being given an official offer to take up residency. This offer was being made to ATΩ, we were told, not only because of our location in the so-called “green space” but because of our active alumni boards and the priority the chapter and alumni had cooperatively placed on the housing situation. However, it was also made known to us in no uncertain terms that if we declined this offer that it would be presented to another fraternity in pursuit of housing.
As you can imagine this opportunity was quite engaging and interrupted our plans for fundraising. Already catching our breath after the centennial the timeline for decisions had been greatly accelerated as the university desired us to occupy the new facility in the fall of 2009. The House Corporation and BOT deliberated for several weeks before replying to the university that while we appreciated the offer the timeline was inadequate for us to give the important matter its due diligence. We further explained that we remained interested in the opportunity but required more time in which to come to a more well-informed decision. Paramount among our concerns was preparing the undergraduate chapter for the significant increase in boarding expenses. For all intents and purposes the chapter had been living virtually rent free for at least the last ten years in which the boarding charges were merged with the chapter’s operational budget while they paid only one dollar per year for the lease. If we accepted the offer all housing contracts would be made by individual members directly with the university. Additionally we were concerned about jeopardizing any leasehold value in our existing house in an overly hasty decision not to mention the sentimental attachment that every brother possessed.
Eventually the university acquiesced to our request for more time and negotiations continued through the ensuing months with an understanding that there would be a decision by the first of the new year, 2010. Extensive meetings, conference calls and debate concerning all factors took place and the more it was discussed a consensus developed that this latest option was the most beneficial to the chapter in the long and short terms. By December 31st, 2009 we had sent the university a memorandum of understanding stating our intention to occupy the house at 441 Pennsylvania Avenue barring any unforeseen obstacles. Accompanying our MOU was a spreadsheet detailing the leasehold improvements we expected to be compensated for. Understand that while generations of ATΩs paid off the bonds that purchased the land and built the house at 340 Clifton/341 Hilltop, the university technically owned both. Since we would not be compensated for the land or structure we were given to understand that we would receive payment for the leasehold improvements and value of the self-perpetuating nature of our lease.
The exact value and details were deliberated for months. In the final analysis the chapter received an inflated amortized value for the leasehold improvements, contractual obligations by the university to upgrade the existing kitchen facilities and a significant credit for aesthetic improvements. When all of our conditions had been met we signed the new lease in May 2010 that went into effect the ensuing fall semester. On July 1st we tendered our notice to the university of our intention to terminate our existing lease at our beloved former residence. Later, in that same month, alumni gathered to watch in awed silence as the cherished building that was home to generations of Taus was slowly disassembled. Although it was difficult beyond description for everyone involved to come to the decision that ultimately ended our tenure at our former location it is extremely rewarding to know that the chapter’s legacy is safe and thriving at its new home.
The activity and hectic schedule did not abate after the papers were signed. Before the ink had an opportunity to dry the university’s auxiliary services provided an interior design team that helped coordinate the effort to convert the residence into ATΩ’s new home. Efforts had long been in motion to preserve elements of the former house to incorporate into the new building. Key among these was the front paneling of the original entrance, the wooden maltese cross that was located above it and the exterior Greek letters which will all be placed in the new entrance foyer. The metal cross from the front yard was salvaged and will be included in the landscaping of the new house. The flagpole and exterior lanterns were also saved but damage to the flagpole may render it unusable. Additionally bricks were rescued in order to sell to alumni in a fundraising effort.
In addition to salvaged materials we have installed a new hardwood floor in our entrance foyer, commissioned a new trophy case, painted selected portions of the house and obtained new furniture for the lobby. The original charter, composites and various memorabilia have been installed throughout the building with tamper-proof hardware. On the exterior we have placed bronzed aluminum letters that proclaim the fraternity’s identity as well as added etched decals of the ATΩ badge in a large circular window and more details in the window above the entrance door. A flag that once flew at the former house is being framed for display and murals are being commissioned. Many projects such as a new floor in the chapter room to comply with ritual requirements and an illuminated exterior sign have not even been planned yet because of the full slate of improvements. Needless to say all of these projects and improvements have not been without significant expense to the House Corporation and chapter. Any contributions on behalf of individual members, pledge classes or groups of alumni are not only necessary but will be much appreciated. Anyone looking to become involved in any of our alumni boards is also greatly encouraged.
All that has been accomplished has been the direct result of the collaboration and countless volunteer hours of the House Corporation, Board of Trustees and Alumni Association in conjunction with the undergraduate chapter. Throughout this process the chapter members’ enthusiasm has been infectious. They have shown unanimous support through every development and are currently riding a wave of success unparalleled in recent years. The new house instills a sense of pride in the young men and several have credited it with assisting them in their recruitment efforts. The facility is still very much a work in progress but with each passing day it becomes more like a home to the chapter. I sincerely hope that everyone who reads this will feel compelled to visit the new home of Alpha Tau Omega at the University of Kentucky.
Brett Winterberg President, House Corporation