GreekChat.com Forums - New housing plan at U AL Huntsvle.

Greek Housing
Published: Thursday, April 22, 2004

In last week's Exponent, a story called "Greek Housing Getting Underway" appeared on the front page. It has come to our attention that there were some inaccuracies in this article due to the source of the information, so we are presenting the following information at the request of Mrs. Delois Smith, Vice President for Student Affairs.
* Up to five residences will be built, depending on level of interest
* Targeted opening date: Fall 2006 (A number of houses will be built for economics in the construction process)
* Location was reviewed in conjunction with the comprehensive Campus Master Plan - The most probably final location is between Southeast Housing and The University Fitness Center
* An anonymous UAH friend and donor has provided about half of the funds for the construction.
* The University will provide the balance of the funding. Therefore no fraternity of sorority will need to incur debt or raise large amounts of funds for construction of their house.
* Houses will be approximately 5,000 square feet each.
o The University will be having an architect to design the houses (consistent and compatible with each other and with the Campus Master Plan)
o Each interested fraternity and sorority will have the opportunity to consult with the architect on a design.
o Campus administration will play an active role in arriving at a comprehensive design. There will be flexibility in the design of the exterior of a particular house.
* Each house will contain:
o twelve single bedrooms, with pairs connected to a single bath
o common living, lounge, and study areas
o chapter room
o entertainment area
o kitchen
o all bedroom furniture, bathroom, and kitchen fixtures will be provided by the university
o all lounge furniture, entertainment and chapter room décor, etc., will be provided by the fraternity/sorority
* Houses will be owned by the university
* To qualify for a house each fraternity/sorority will have to demonstrate sufficient interest and commitment on the part of its members and housing corporations. Part of the qualification will include:
o An escrow deposit of $30,000 as a guarantee of agreed to rental income
o Responsibility to provide the common area furnishings estimated at $30,000
o All funds of $60,000 must be on deposit at the UAH Foundation prior to commencing construction.
o Organizations may not borrow funds to meet the $60,000 deposit
* Site selection will be determined by each organization in the order in which they meet the fundraising goal.
* There will be two kinds of leases; both effective for twelve months
o The first between the fraternity/sorority and its related house corporation. That lease will require the guarantee (underwrite) that 12 rooms will be rented. It will also require the payment of $8,400 per year for the common areas. (This can be distributed to all members of the fraternity/sorority).
o The second type of lease will be between the University and the individual student resident. The lease rate will be based upon the average room rate per student then effective at the CCRH and NCRH resident halls.
o Current average rate (2003-04) per room (12 moths) $4,680
o Minimum lease rate to guarantee a house (12 $4,680) $56,160
o These rates will be adjusted annually to housing rates in effect for future years.
* Groups may wish to lease space in summer to non-members to help defray costs. UAH housing would assist with that.
* In the event a fraternity/sorority should fail to meet its continuing financial obligation, another would be invited to take its place. If another should be unable to assume the responsibility of the house, UAH Housing would include the accommodations temporarily in our general housing program.