Basement Framing, New Kitchen Sink, & SW Bedroom Remodel - 7/2023-8/2023
The Alumni Board completed its annual summer work weekend, installing a new kitchen sink and countertops to the kitchen, and remodeling the southwest bedroom of the house. Additionally, a group of alumni led by Darryl Reetz (‘74) removed the remaining old framing in the basement, created a new egress hallway, and installed new framing for the soon-to-be bedrooms.
Asbestos Removal - 4/2023
The Alumni Board contracted with Environmental Management Services of Iowa out of Dubuque to remove asbestos from the existing basement piping.
While this may seem like another small project, having the asbestos removed will allow the Board to begin the process of preparing new plumbing for the basement.
Frosted Glass Block Window - 11/2022
A frosted glass block window was added to the basement on the west side of the house facing the driveway. This will allow more natural light to enter into the basement.
East Bedroom Remodel - 8/2022
Actives and alumni worked together to renovate the east bedroom (fireplace room) on the second floor of the house. The old walls and ceiling were removed and replaced.
Foundation Repairs - 1/2021
Badger Basement Systems completed the foundation repairs on 1/14 under budget and ahead of schedule. The project was budgeted for $40,000 with an initial estimate of $31,432. Thanks to discounts and an overestimation of materials, the total cost of the project was only $22,186.80. The remaining money will be used to begin another set of improvements after a decision is made by the Alumni Board. The next step is to hire out an architect that will design plans for future construction in the basement.
Basement Demo - 12/2020
Alumni and actives worked together to remove old fixtures, dry wall, flooring, and other impediments to the restoration of the chapter house basement. Thanks to these members, the basement restoration can begin on schedule with the discounts Badger Basement System has given us. The chapter house basement improvements have finally begun in earnest.
Foundation Repairs - 12/2020 - 1/2021
The Alumni Board contracted Badger Basement Systems to make an initial set of repairs to the basement that is set to begin on December 12th and complete on January 15th. The goal of this project is to reinforce our existing infrastructure, create a watertight seal to prevent external damages, and create a system to quickly alert residents of any current issues. The total cost of the repairs is projected to be $28,378.00. These repairs include:
Adding supports to reinforce the existing foundation
Installing sump pumps with water alarms
Implementing a water guard system around the perimeter of the house
Other contractors were considered for the work, but it was the opinion of the Alumni Board that Badger Basement Systems provided the best solution. Their offering was the only to include a lifetime warranty, had the most comprehensive plan for repairs and with consideration to the services provided, were the most cost effective. The board decided against a total foundation renovation in favor of repairs due to the urgency of the situation and the total cost of such a project.
A follow up post with results from the project and other improvements around the house will be made after project completion. The board anticipates having more information about our future plans by then as well.
Initial State - 6/2012
The basement of the chapter house flooded, damaging essentially every part of it. The walls have been reduced to studs, bare wiring is exposed, and the floor is just the foundation. All of the work put into basement over the years has been unfortunately destroyed with only a few murals heading down to the basement remaining. Without the help of alumni and friends, this will be the state of the basement for the foreseeable future.