Allow me to introduce to you the first house of LSU Cribs, Alpha Phi. As a current member of Alpha Phi I had the honor of living in our temporary home, formerly known as the LSU Press building, and also I continue to experience the complete joy of seeing the construction of our new permanent home being built.
After about three years of planning and construction, the completed project will be ready for members in Fall 2016! Residing on 4020 West Lakeshore Drive the 19,500 square foot house will include three floors: a main floor and two residential floors. The main floor will include a formal and informal living room, house mother suite, chapter room and everyone's favorite part---dining room and kitchen. The second and third floors will each include 12 student rooms and two study areas. The second floor will even have an accessible balcony that will take advantage of the beautiful views of University Lakes.
Some fun facts that not many people know is that this will be Alpha Phi's THIRD house down the row. Before re-colonization in 2013, Alpha Phi previously resided in the building many people know as University Relations. Another interesting fact is that before construction started, the former Delta Chi house stood un-liveable, but proud on the land was since turned over to Alpha Phi. (Delta Chi, now resides on Dalrymple/ Fraternity Row.) Also, all of the furniture in the current house will be moved right down the road to the new one! According to Chelsea Brasted, a reporter for the Times-Picayune on NOLA.Com, "The new house will be owned by LSU Residential Life, which in turn will lease the building to Alpha Phi. The state Legislature set aside $5 million for the house, which is expected to cost $4.5 million."
As we continue to grow as a chapter, we have made the most of our year in the house we currently call home. Having the blessing of living in the house was more fun that I would have ever imagined. I have became stronger in my love and commitment to Alpha Phi, and have gained and strengthened some of the most unexpected friendships, and hope they continue to grow. The memories of this house will forever be held close. However, it was not the house that build us, because like we always said, as big as a blessing it is having a house is finally, we never really needed a house to have a place to call home. Our home is in the bond that we call sisterhood.
I speak for everyone when I say that I am humbled and honored to be a part of this organization that is so rich in it's sisterhood and traditions. Having the new house almost completed has made my excitement flourish. This project would not be possible without LSU, the Housing Corporation and alumnae. We have nothing but extreme gratitude to everyone who has made this project and dream possible. We cannot wait to see the finished result and to see the incredible things it will do for our chapter.
*if your sorority or fraternity would like to be featured on LSU Cribs, shoot me a shout out on Twitter or Facebook, and I would love to show off the next house!
