Clayton Vertrees Staff writer
Since a fire three years ago, Murray State's Epsilon Lambda chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity looks forward to building its new house closer to the University's academic and student life. Kent Erwin, sophomore from Murray and chapter president, said the current design may see modification as work with the Pennington fundraising company continues. The new house includes features typical of many fraternity houses: a study, social hall, formal chapter room and modern amenities like computer areas and a theater room. Although the new house will serve as a place to conduct chapter meetings and socialize, Erwin said those involved with the house's design have rejected the idea of living quarters. "Right now, we aren't going to have rooms in it as far as to live in, simply because we are already spending so much money on the house and whenever you have guys living in a house, it kind of deteriorates quicker than it should," Erwin said. Compared to the old location, built on Stadium View drive, and somewhat distant from campus, Erwin said the new house, on the corner of 16th and Main streets, will draw attention from passing traffic as well as students on campus. "As opposed to our old location, the new house will definitely be a plus for us simply because of its location on a very busy intersection that will draw freshmen in to see the really nice house on the corner, across from Oakhurst," Erwin said. With a closer proximity to campus, chapter adviser Jim Carter, said the fraternity's upcoming house will depict unity with Murray State through design elements common to many campus structures such as brick and column styles. "When students come in to visit with parents, we want something that everybody can be proud of and will make a statement that looks good and fits into the current style," Carter said. "I think the guys will enjoy being close to campus, and should others be interested in coming over and hanging out after class, they will enjoy all the benefits that come with being in a much closer proximity to campus than we were out on Stadium View." The new building is modeled after the Hal Houston Pi Kappa Alpha House. Houston was Epsilon Lambda's first president. Carter said Houston serves as a point of inspiration for many involved with the building's design and construction. "When your house burns, it is inspiring for the many that have come through and have joined that house as well as current chapter members that were there to give something back," Carter said. Carter said the Pike's dedication of their new house to Houston reflects the historic significance of the first chapter president of the first nationally recognized fraternity to arrive at Murray State and reflects a record of service. "The project of rebuilding the house is a point of great passion for Houston," Carter said. "After completion, the building will be the Hal Houston Pi Kappa Alpha House. I mean, that alone is motivation." Clayton Vertrees can be reached at james.vertrees@ murraystate.edu.
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