However atypical it was to see dozens of fraternity brothers dusting, sweeping and polishing their house in suits on a Saturday morning, the brothers of Zeta Psi had good reason.
After a mysterious porch fire a little over a year ago that destroyed much of the house, restorations were made to repair the damages that were caused by the flames. With the renovations finally complete, the fraternity wasted no time inviting friends, family, alumni and the community to commemorate the rededication this past Saturday on Roanoke Street. Picnic festivities followed the ceremony.
After a brief greeting from the master of ceremonies, members of the crew in charge of the renovations were invited to speak, offering their thoughts and congratulations to the active brothers.
Housing Corp. president Brian Ferrenz presented a plaque on behalf of the fraternity to Tom Hyde, vice president of the alumni association with the inscription, ?The House that Tom Built,? in recognition of all the help received from alumni. Dave Hunter, current executive director of international headquarters, offered words of encouragement to the active brothers.
?A tragedy like a house fire can often destroy a chapter. However, you guys are the strongest chapter of Zeta Psi right now, and you certainly have the nicest looking frat house,? Hunter said.
Also invited was contractor Tom Bowden, with Restorations Unlimited, who oversaw the $300,000 renovations that took place over the past year.
?This was a whole-house remodel for us. We had to submit all the plans to the Historical Review Committee of Blacksburg since the house is a historical landmark. They all seem pretty pleased with the results, and the house is now back to how it originally was,? Bowden said.
Due to muddy conditions outside, the rededication ceremony was held in the new front room. A yellow ribbon was tied between two white decorative pillars, a stark contrast to the burnt and blackened pillar in the corner.
Brought by Bowden, the charred reminder of last year?s fire seemed out of place among the new hardwood floors, recess lighting and moss green painted walls, as well as a prominently displayed sign in a corner window that reads, ?No Smoking.?
?Everything is a lot cleaner than I remember. They couldn?t change the layout of the house, but they definitely made it a lot safer by upgrading the electricity and the walls,? said Zeta Psi alum Steve LeGrow.
Alumni helped fund the renovations by selling engraved bricks to line the walkway. The bricks are being sold for $200 a piece, and an estimated one-third of the existing alumni have purchased one so far.
?We appreciated all the help. The best thing out of the fire is the connection with our alumni. We?re closer than ever,? said chapter president Trevor Johnson.
