After six years and two houses, the Delta Tau Delta fraternity can finally claim a permanent home. Celebrating the completion of major renovations, the chapter opened its new house at 130 S. 39th Street to the University Friday afternoon. The construction project converted two Victorian-era townhomes into one house which includes living and dining areas, a study and bedrooms which can accommodate up to 28 brothers. According to DTD advisor Norm Hetrick, the project was jointly executed by the fraternity and the University departments of Facilities Planning, Project Management, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and the Treasurer's office. Hetrick, a 1996 College graduate, said DTD funded the $1.4 million project through loans and a fundraising campaign. The University also lent funds for a portion of the project costs to be repaid over the next several years. The brothers -- who moved into the house this fall -- rent the property from the University. Although Penn acquired the properties in 1993, renovations did not begin until fall 1996. Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski said the switch in the University administration delayed the project, adding that its completion is "a big relief." "It's nice to see that it's finally done," he said, stressing that OFSA hopes to bring a few more chapters on campus. The University currently owns 24 chapter houses. Since its recolonization in 1991, DTD had occupied temporary houses on 4033 Spruce Street and 3829 Walnut Street. DTD President James Vergary said not having a permanent residence hurt his chapter during rush. "I think the house will help us be a little more successful," the College senior said. He added that freshmen will be attracted to the new house, which "would be a nice place to live for three years." He described his fraternity's house last year as "horrible" and "really dirty." Vergary added that the house -- which has a library with a computer lab -- offers more academic services than other fraternity houses. And like other University-owned chapter houses, the DTD property will eventually be wired for GreekNet. Reikofski said there were other advantages of living in a University-owned house, noting that the University's nonprofit motives allow the rent to go back to the house. And students have better maintenance service through the University than through landlords, he said.
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