Theta Phi UTC chapter members celebrated the opening of their new chapter house with friends, family, and local alumnae. The open house included house tours, brunch, and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The 8,484 square foot house was designed to house 18 women and features a grand foyer, study, kitchen, private living room for the residents, and a 2,000 square foot chapter room to be used for meetings, ceremonies, and special events.
Alumnae were recognized for their generous support to Theta Phi’s Educational Grant, and the large outdoor courtyard featured the newly installed engraved brick donations that honor and recognize members.
Theta Phi’s Corporation Board President, Amanda Turk, Alpha Delta, believes that the new house will support the growth and success of the collegiate members now and into the future. “We wanted to create a space that was functional, but we also made it a priority to make sure it felt like a home- a place where our sisters could truly live our values of friendship, service, loyalty, and personal growth.”
In 2013, the Board sold the chapter’s house located in the Historic Fort Wood District to focus on building a forever home that would better meet the needs of the chapter. The local Board consists of a team of alumnae and collegians, that worked for over five years on the completion of the project.
“We used the slogan, 'Home is Where the Heart Lives' in our campaign because our dream was to create an emotional bond between our sisters and this home," said Ms. Turk. "It was critical that this house would stand the test of time from generation to generation. Our goal was to create a space where everyone would feel welcome."
Piper Stromatt, Theta Phi, a local alumnae and interior designer made an extra effort to seek input from members and alumnae through online voting opportunities, giving them ownership in the final elements.
“This engaged members of the chapter living across the country in the process and generated lots of excitement,” said Ms. Stromatt. "My vision was to create an inviting space where our sisters could gather. It is both luxurious and comfortable, and incorporates our colors, symbols, and history to make it feel extra special.”
The new home features details throughout that symbolize Sigma Kappa Sorority. Star pendant light fixtures hang in the foyer that represent the sorority’s five founders, triangle symbols can be found on the marble backsplash in the kitchen and the front doorway, and a beautiful stained-glass window of the sorority's crest is a one of a kind piece, commissioned by artisans at McIntyre Studios in Florida.
The completion of the new home would not be possible without the support of Sigma Kappa’s National Housing Corporation which provided project management support and financial support.
“We are truly grateful for all the effort and contributions we have received from alumnae, collegiate members, our national organization, volunteers, and local partners to help make this dream become a reality,” said Ms. Turk.
Justin Dumsday, partner at River Street Architecture, led the design and contract management of the project.
The Theta Phi Corporation Board was awarded the Gold Key of Excellence in 2017 and 2018 from Sigma Kappa’s National Housing Corporation in recognition of their dedicated efforts to foster a safe, attractive, and relevant living and learning environment for the members of the Theta Phi chapter. They have met their first goal of $25,000 for the Theta Phi’s Education Fund, but they are still seeking donations to continue and further enhance the educational opportunities, technology, and programming offered at the house.
Margo Treadwell, Theta Phi house manager, calls Theta Phi her home. “Our new house provides my sisters the perfect location to gather together," said Ms. Treadwell. "It has created a foundation to strengthen our sisterhood and grow as not only a chapter, but as individuals. These walls will nurture and foster strong independent, young women that will continue to positively impact our communities.”