FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas and the Chi Omega Fraternity will begin a major renovation project on the Chi Omega Greek Theater, Tuesday, May 25. The project will focus on the replacement of the primary wooden arch and repair to the supporting columns.

By taking blueprint specifications from the original wooden arch, contractors will construct an exact match and replace the deteriorating arch with a new precast concrete arch.

A portion of the materials and labor for the renovation — valued at $17,035 — is a gift in kind from Arkansas Precast Corporation, located in Jacksonville, Ark.

"We are so excited to see this project taking place," said Jane Rogers, president of the Chi Omega Foundation and UA Board of Trustees member. "The Greek Theater has been a wonderful symbol of the tradition of Chi Omega and the U of A for more than 60 years, and I am proud to know that, after these necessary renovations are complete, that symbol will carry on for future generations of UA students."

The Chi Omega Greek Theater was completed in 1930 as a gift to the university from Chi Omega, the national women’s fraternity (sorority) that was founded at the University of Arkansas in 1895, when four students and a faculty adviser chartered the mother chapter, Psi.

Since then, Chi Omega has become the largest women’s fraternity in the nation, with more than 250,000 initiated members and alumnae in more than 170 chapters. The Psi chapter house is located at 940 Maple Street in Fayetteville.

The Greek Theater is a replica of one built at the foot of the Acropolis in ancient Athens to honor Dionysus. It has been used for commencements, concerts and many other events. The last renovation project occurred in 1994.

"Replacing the arch and repairing the columns will take place in three phases throughout the summer," said Craig Boone, architect with Architecture Plus in Ft. Smith. "While the project will ensure the long life of this great structure through precasting, construction crews will be able to preserve some salvageable pieces of the theater’s past."

Phase one of the renovation, which will begin May 25, involves the disassembly and preservation of the existing arch. Phase two, which will take six to eight weeks to complete, involves the precasting of concrete forms to match the original wooden arch structure. Finally, phase three will be the reconstruction of the Greek Theater’s arch.

"The proposed work to the Chi Omega Greek Theatre has been designed with sensitivity to the historic character of the structure, while allowing for handicap accessibility," said Missy McSwain, federal programs director, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. "The work will not affect the theater’s listing in the National Register of Historic Places."

"This theater is important to so many people, and it has become a historical landmark on campus," Rogers said. "Many UA alums and national Chi Omega members who travel the country make it a point to visit the Greek Theater when they are in Northwest Arkansas. Now, we know they will have a beautiful facility to visit for many years to come."

In addition to Arkansas Precast Corporation’s gift, the estimated cost for the Greek Theater renovation project is $151,485. The remaining balance of the renovation project is supported through funds from the university and the Chi Omega Foundation. The completion date is scheduled for Fall 2004.