Fraternity Houses Undergo Remodeling

September 20, 2006 - With assistance from WV Greek Management Inc, all five fraternity houses are currently in the process of completing several fire safety improvements on their homes. The project is currently estimated at cost over $100,000. Expected completion of initial phase is later this fall.

Last June, WV Greek Management hired Bryson VanNostrand, local architect and fire safety expert, to walk through the houses and determine what needed to be fixed to get all the houses up to fire safety code.

One of the biggest issues in all the houses was the lack of a fire exits on the third floors. It was estimated adding fire escapes to the third floors of all the houses would cost $22,000 to $25,000.

This did not include other changes that needed to be made.

VanNostrand found not only cost friendly alternatives to third floor fire escapes, but also took measures to prevent further violations. John Bohman, Greek Affairs Coordinator and Director of WV Greek Management Inc, said "With these improvements made, we hope to take measure that will not only prevent repercussion from local authorities, but also ensure that safety of all Greek and non-Greek residents and visitors to the houses."

In the Chi Phi house several changes needed to be made. The entire fire system in the house must be upgraded with new pull stations, alarms and alarm activated magnets on all doors.

The large open hallway space on the second floor has to be closed off with two large doors, which will close automatically if the fire alarm should go off. This closes off a large air draft area.

In the basement a new stairwell will be added. At the top of the staircase, there will be an exit that leads directly to the side entrance of the house.

All new metal doorframes and doors will also be added.

The Theta Xi house's most significant change will be the addition of a new, larger stairwell leading to and from the basement, which will be adjacent to the front stairs.

All other stairwells in the house will be enclosed with full or half walls. All the wooden doors and doorframes must be ripped out and replaced with metal frames and doors.

On the third floor, there will be an adjustment to the loft area, opening it up to meet fire code. As with the Chi Phi house, the fire alarm system will be updated.

The difference with Theta Xi is they have a direct connection to the Buckhannon Fire Department. If the alarm goes of, the station will know immediately.

The Alpha Sigma Phi house will have the least amount of work done.

On the third floor, the double-hung windows will be replaced with larger, single-hung windows that open outward, allowing access to the roof.

Also the doorway at the top of third floor has been moved to meet fire code. New hand rails and half walls will be added on all stairwells.

Throughout the whole house, many of the old metal bedroom doors will be replaced. Several walls and new doorways will also have to be added to the second, first, and basement levels.

Theta Chi has chosen to add a fire escape.

In addition, all houses will have sprinkler systems installed next summer and a new no smoking policy is in effect for all houses. Smoking areas have been added to the exteriors of the houses.

"Now that we have taken these preventative steps, it is up to the houses to follow through and make sure the rules are followed," said Bohman

WV Greek Management Inc. will be assisting in new inspection policies starting in October. Inspections will be on a monthly basis.

by Ashley Hodak