We are in the final design stages getting ready for the long awaited start of construction of the new chapter house. Allan Lutes, Alpha Design/Build project leader, reports all design decisions have been made and are being incorporated into the final bid specifications.
The City of Ann Arbor site development and demolition permit has been applied for. Preliminary bids for demolition, excavation, foundation and underground work have been received and are within previously budgeted costs. Contracts for this work are expected to be issued April 1st with work starting mid May. A preliminary construction schedule has been completed and is being updated as sub contractor information is included.
By early April, the cost will be re-forecasted based on bid information. Recall, the chapter house is more space efficient but a little bigger (housing 34 actives vs. 30 in the early concept plan) and the city required more storm water retention which may increase the cost above the $2.5 million original budget. As the team does the final business plan financial evaluation, it is critically important to know how much will be funded by alumni brother donations. It looks like we will need all the of anticipated $1 million. We are at $900K now so please help us finish the campaign so we do not need to reduce the quality of interior finishes to fit the lower donation revenue. We should not, and cannot, build a new chapter house that looks “cheap” on the inside. Please make your pledge commitment now by visiting www.deltachimichigan.com and completing the Pledge Agreement. Thank you for the support. You are giving future brothers the opportunities you gained from living at 1705 Hill.
Howard Gandelot
March12, 2015
