In 2000, with the help of committed alumni, the Residence Corporation of Sigma Chi at the University of Michigan completed Phase I of the chapter house renovation. That renovation brought the house into compliance with building and fire codes, and consisted of new windows on the second and third floors, updated bathrooms, wiring throughout the house, and a complete gutting and reappointment of the kitchen. The 2000 project did not, however, address long-term issues with the building’s exterior or improvements to the common areas that must be fixed to ensure a safe and modernized chapter house. Through a capital fundraising campaign, the following improvements are planned.

Highlights:

  • Replace the first floor windows and door walls

  • Recondition or replace first floor wall paneling

  • Install new hardwood floors on first floor

  • Replace vinyl flooring in dining and first floor bathroom areas

  • Install new stainless steel chimney flues in first floor fire places; install new natural gas lines and fireplace logs with fixed glass doors in two existing fireplace openings

  • Replace two exterior fire-stair tower exit doors

  • Replace exterior door from rear porch to first floor living room

  • Update lighting fixtures for new energy-efficient lighting fixtures for entire first floor

  • Repaint entire first floor interior

  • Furnishings allowance: include funds for living room, dining room, library, Coon Room, and vestibule

  • Decorating allowance: include funds for updated window shades, window curtains, painting, and floor rugs

  • Repair and/or replace deteriorating areas of basement foundation walls

  • Grind and paint basement floors

  • Install fresh air ventilation with tempered air make-up for basement area

  • Construct new wall with double lockable door in storage room under front porch

  • Provide finished surface over existing foundation walls in front basement and under living room; provide similar walls, flooring, lighting, ventilation for middle basement

  • Provide for additional task lighting in front basement room; upgrade electrical lightning, switching, and receptacles

  • Exterior

  • Reconstruct front porch

  • Replace wood porch columns with new composite columns to match existing replacement column

  • Reconstruct rear side porch; incorporate new barrier-free ramp to living room

  • Remove and replace existing asphalt shingle roofing

  • Gutter/downspout repair; add downspouts and underground rain convector drainage piping to storm sewer

  • Inspection and repair of deterioration of brick exterior

  • Masonry repair of any deteriorated masonry on chimneys

  • Exterior painting as required

  • Inspection and repair of deterioration at roof eaves and dormers, install new exterior security and task lighting

  • Evaluate, design, and replace areas of landscaping as required

  • Replace front sidewalk

  • Install new walk from parking area to front porch entry

  • Restripe parking lot, revise parking spaces to comply with city-approved site plan

  • Install new landscaping per city site plan

  • Provide and install new ADA-compliant pedestrian lift and ramp as required at reconstructed rear porch deck

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