Pi Kappa Alpha Breaks Ground for Renovated Chapter House

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Architect’s rendering of renovated PIKE house

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas officials joined current members and long-time alumni of the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha – known on campus as PIKE – to celebrate the start of a major expansion and renovation project on the fraternity’s 63-year-old Chapter House on Arkansas Avenue. The event was held Friday, Sept. 27.

Demolition of part of the building began earlier this week, and construction is scheduled to be complete in August 2014. After the renovation, the Pi Kappa Alpha house will be one of the largest Greek house on campus, with 22,275 square feet.

“For more than 100 years, Pikes have embodied strength and leadership on this campus,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “I know that the renovated Chapter House that rises on this site will enable all of you, and future generations of Pikes, to extend and enrich those traditions.” 

Pi Kappa Alpha has been an important part of the University of Arkansas community since 1907. The renovation of the Alpha Zeta Chapter House will provide a safe and sustainable housing facility, promote academic success, and allow the fraternity to offer amenities that are competitive with on- and off-campus housing options. 

Daniel J. Pugh, vice provost of student affairs and dean of students, said, “We have seen exceptional growth in recruitment over the past few years, and welcomed multiple new Greek organizations to the university. The renovation of the Pi Kappa Alpha House is another example to the university’s commitment to growth and expansion by producing quality facilities to serve our students.”

The renovated house will feature suite-style living arrangements housing up to 57 members, and a new addition to include a library, conference room, and recreation room. In total, 7,000 square feet will be added to the facility. Additional renovations will include complete replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; improvements to the existing foyer, commons, dining room and kitchen area; a new formal living room, patio and deck; a new house mother’s suite and director’s office. The project will be funded in part by alumni and friends of the Alpha Zeta Chapter who have created and donated to the “Pride in our Past, Securing our Future – The Campaign for Alpha Zeta.”   

“The goal of the alumni leadership in this project has been to ‘give back’ to the fraternity and to the university that have meant so much to each of us,” said Bill Brady, renovation project chair. “We believe that the new Pike House will be a lasting testament to the esteem that we all have for both Pi Kappa Alpha and the U of A."

The university will also share in the total cost of the renovation project.

“This renovation gives our chapter the necessary tools to remain committed to developing men of integrity, intellect and high moral standards,” said David Bella, current president of Pi Kappa Alpha, speaking for all the fraternity’s members. “The undergraduates are very excited about the project, and we can't wait to move in.”