"Dream House" Design-Build Project
The sorority’s new, 17,000-square-foot home is a two-story wood framed structure with a full basement. The house accommodates 58 students and one house director, and features an expanded dining room with full kitchen, as well as a Girls’ Kitchen, which is open 24-7 for snacks and quick meals. The house has capacity for 120-150 occupants, larger bedrooms with individual study areas, and room for the chapter to continue to grow their membership. The exterior siding includes a stucco pediment at the front entry for the placement of the sorority’s Greek letters. A large porch and four fluted columns complete the home’s Colonial architectural style.
Though Alpha Xi Delta raised more than $1 million through their “Coming Home: The Campaign for 214 North Plum Street,” the final budget of $2.3 million required considerable value engineering to accommodate the sorority’s needs. An additional challenge was the construction site itself, as it was located between two other Greek houses. Space was tight and the north side of the site required sheet piling to hold back the earth for crew safety. Finally, demolition and construction had to be completed in just 10 months so Alpha Xi Delta could welcome its students back in the fall for Rush activities and to celebrate its 115th anniversary.
