The chapter house for FarmHouse fraternity at the University of Idaho at 1101 Blake was originally built in 1955 as a women’s dormitory. A major fraternity capital campaign coupled with a fraternity fundraising initiative were needed not only to make necessary structural repairs, but also to remain competitive and meet the ever-changing needs of today’s college students. With a high level of fraternity engagement, they were able to make the following improvements and additions:
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Address mandatory life safety to be in full compliance with code specifications
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Replace and upgrade the electrical and heating services throughout the house
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Increase energy efficiency to reduce long-term maintenance costs
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Create media room for TV, gaming, and other activities
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Rebuild the kitchen to meet food service regulations and provide better service considering current university class schedules
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Ability to lock down kitchen during off hours
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Eliminate house access through kitchen
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Provide area for leftovers and 24-hour meal access
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Renovate dining room to include pocket doors connecting to the front room
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Renovate the front room
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Add a new back courtyard door connecting to the pit
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Add a new “Wall of Builders” to honor our founder, donors, and current members
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Enlarge the library with a built-in technology lab
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Renovate/upgrade restrooms for disability access, private showers, and ventilation
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Renovate two-man study/sleep rooms to include new desks, protected power for technology, closets and beds
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Renovate second floor lounge into a new study space
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Convert two rooms into a new library and study space
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Change the entry to make it more open and inviting; provide access from the back of the house
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Pitch the roof to allow HVAC to be added more easily and to improve appearance
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Replace all entries for disability access
