A TALE OF TWO HOUSES

Some of the most cherished memories of Dekes spring from moments shared in our chapter houses – where we first learn of brotherhood, where we embrace to celebrate good times, or where we lean on each other to get through tough times. The houses are where we forge friendships destined to be lifelong. We clean, paint, saw, and nail things together in our houses—becoming stewards of places we open to alumni, parents, friends and visitors. Be they grand mansions, modest residences, or even a cluster of off-campus apartments – the common denominator is that Deke houses should be warm, welcoming places. The following are tales of two 90-year-old chapter houses recently turned back into appropriate homes for gentlemen, scholars, and jolly good fellows.

Deke House at Washington Gets a Makeover

BY DANIEL HELDRING, KAPPA EPSILON ’99

The chapter house occupied by Kappa Epsilon Dekes and owned by the Puget Sound Association of Delta Kappa Epsilon (PSA of DKE) is a beautiful four-story brick building centrally located in the University of Washington Greek system.

The house was designed by two UW architecture professors in 1928, built in 1929 and according to a third emeritus professor is “wonderfully served by its bricked-in entry courtyard (and) the handsome front doorway.” Upon entering the chapter house, one will be standing in the grand foyer. To the left is the spacious living room anchored by a chandelier that complements the wood ceiling. Beyond the living room is the library, a cozy room perfect for studying or holding meetings, and the President’s Suite, the living quarters for Brother Beta.

To the right of the foyer is the dining room, where the Deke crest is painted on the wall above the fireplace, and the fullservice kitchen. Straight ahead are stairs to the bedrooms on the second and third floors. In the basement there is a social room, two additional bedrooms, and laundry facilities. There is a chapter room, but its location must not be shared lest this article be read by someone not initiated into the Deke brotherhood.

In the summer of 2020, PSA of DKE embarked on extensive renovations to the chapter house, primarily its interior. The story of these renovations is best told with an understanding of the history of the Kappa Epsilon chapter from the 1960s on.

In 1965, PSA of DKE closed the Kappa Epsilon chapter due to declining membership, a consequence of rules violations, antisocial conduct, and underwhelming academic achievement. In 1975, they sold the chapter house (the house needed significant repairs and there was a strong anti-fraternity sentiment at the time). In 1991, with the help from Phi Alpha Dekes, PSA of DKE reactivated the Kappa Epsilon chapter. In 1993, they purchased the property that is today the Kappa Epsilon chapter house. Kappa Epsilon again became a thriving chapter, twice winning the Lion Trophy award. Fortunes changed because of the mistreatment of associate members during the 1997-1998 school year. The University of Washington, following its investigation, cancelled the chapter’s recognition, which made it difficult to sustain membership. In 2004, PSA of DKE decided to close the chapter and lease the property to a different fraternity.

During the years that PSA of DKE leased the chapter house, capital improvements focused on the exterior of the building. It was decided to hold off on major interior renovations (except when circumstances necessitated immediate action) until after the tenants vacated the property.

The PSA of DKE Board of Directors spent many meetings debating how to pay for the renovations. As one might expect with a building nearly a century old that had endured many years of fraternity activity, the scope of work was both extensive and expensive. PSA of DKE reluctantly decided to sell the property adjacent to the chapter house that it had also purchased in the 1990s.

After completely gutting the property – it is quite sight to walk through a building without walls – we proceeded to:

• Install new wiring, plumbing, sprinkler system, and fire safety equipment.

• Restore the living room and library to possess the grandeur they deserve.

• Reconfigure bedrooms for optimal placement of sturdy beds, closets, and desks.

• Redesign the kitchen and dining room to enhance food operations while also replacing appliances and cabinetry

• Replace the carpeting and flooring throughout the main floor and residential floors.

The chapter house is now a first-class facility with the amenities that a modern fraternity requires.

As one might expect, the renovations had its challenges. The pandemic often made it difficult to find and schedule vendors. Rising costs, particularly for lumber and other materials, necessitated PSA of DKE secure a line of credit. A late December 2021 freeze led to burst pipes; fortunately, the damage was minimal.

Seventeen years after the Kappa Epsilon chapter closed for a second time, the Deke flag once again flies above the chapter house. There is a new generation of Kappa Epsilon Dekes. Alumni can once again congregate at the chapter house to share life updates, reminisce about their days as an active, and, most importantly, connect with the new generation of Kappa Epsilon Dekes.

Renewing the Deke House at University of Minnesota

Founded in October 1889, Phi Epsilon has operated continuously since – an impressive run among fraternity chapters. One constant for the successful chapter has been a place to call home; the brothers moved into their current DKE house in 1930.

The old house began showing its age in recent decades. Most recently, roof leaks, cracking plaster, and crappy bathrooms were among problems that kept it from competing with other residences around the University of Minnesota campus. Just over a year ago, the chapter couldn’t entice 15 brothers to live in the house for the next academic year.

To change that tally, house owner Northern DKE Alumni Association devised a fast-track multi-year renovation project –committing to getting changes made in time for fall 2022 movein, Rush, and homecoming events.

A wonderful aspect of the renovation projects is that it truly became a team effort. “So many of the Phi Epsilon ‘family’ –actives, alumni, Deke family members – pitched in to make things happen. The shared work created new friendships and strengthened others,” Northern DKE president Brian Basler says. Staunch support came from alumni spanning several decades, including Fred Webber, ’58, plus longtime past president of the association Brian Cox; and current treasurer Jason Gilbertson.

Leading the charge with management oversight and significant funding was Mark Miller,’80, a successful orthopedic surgeon who has provided the chapter inspirational and financial support over many years – including long-term funding of the Deke Roar Scholarships, which reward the chapter’s top academic performers each year.

Concerned that the guys had to go to campus libraries to study, Brother Miller started with a wish list. “We asked the actives what they wanted in a study room, and what other changes would encourage them to spend more time at the house.”

Besides fresh plaster, paint, and flooring, the new study is modern and comfortable, featuring an interactive whiteboard, internet connections, a printer, ample power outlets, conference table with six chairs, two computer desks, and a couch.

Bathroom facelifts were a clear priority, too – the president’s on the first floor and all on the 2nd and 3rd floors – if Phi Epsilon was to boost its live-in count.

Unusual items the actives wished for: a fence around the property and artificial turf for the front lawn. “It might appear extravagant,” says Brother Basler, “but it greatly improved the appearance and created a super venue for events year ’round, even in Minnesota’s messy falls and winters. In the middle of fraternity row and right down from the stadium, the place is always alive with activity – and now the DKE’s front yard is the best looking of the bunch.”

Clockwise from top left: exterior of the partially renovated 92-year-old chapter house at University of Minnesota; a revamped and DKE-memorabilia adorned lounge and bar area; the living room with new floors and walls; a fall 2022 homecoming crowd enjoys the fenced front yard, now featuring artificial turf.

Actives, led by president Jaxon Hill, were heavily involved. Tate Machacek, who was doing an internship as a construction manager, helped guide several projects, including vent replacement on the house exterior and building the fence. Cade Nelson joined with Brother Machacek to keep the study room and library projects moving along, working right alongside contractors.

What’s a fraternity house without fine party space? The common areas were improved with two new bars, one a custom-made English style pub bar with a marble top, along with comfortable padded lounge seating. The scene is proudly adorned with a rampant lion, a framed Deke flag, and, of course, a plaque bearing the motto Friends from the Heart-Forever. “It’s now perfect for late night functions, singing songs, camaraderie, storytelling,” says Brother Basler.

There’s still work to do at Phi Epsilon, including new kitchen appliances, radiators, window replacement, tuckpointing of the brickwork, blacktopping the parking lot, and roof and cement porch repairs.

To fund the renovations – completed and yet to come –Northern DKE conducted Phi Epsilon First! a capital campaign chaired by Max Hurst, ’18, and ably advised by Jim Gray, Beta ’70, who also led DKE’s 175th capital campaign. By fall 2022, more than 80 members spanning eight decades had donated more than $450,000 to the cause. Needing a final push to reach its goal, the campaign continues. Connect to this link to donate or to check campaign status.

The improvements brought immediate positive impacts. Phi Epsilon had to hold a lottery this fall to assign rooms, since more than 25 guys wanted in! The refreshed house also helped entice alums to return.

“We had lost momentum, but the pendulum is swinging back,” Brian says. This year’s homecoming attracted brothers who hadn’t been back before . . . and they saw a house and a chapter of leaders they could be proud of.”