In an effort to promote unity and improve the image of Greek Life, a fraternity is clearing out land to build a new house while others are moving closer together on Riverside Avenue.
Jeff Nevolo, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, said their house would have a state-of-the-art facility with classrooms, a dining room, a fitness area and better living conditions.
"The new house would also have an educational center," Nevolo said. "There is a potential for it to be open to others around campus as another place to go besides the Learning Center. It won't be as extensive, but it'd still be there."
Sigma Phi Epsilon decided to tear down the empty Sigma Tau Gamma and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity houses and use the land to build a brand new house. Last year, Theta Chi fraternity moved across the street into a house that had been vacant for some time, and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity just moved into the old Beta Theta Pi fraternity house.
Cara Luyster, adviser of Ball State's fraternities and sororities, said she thought the changes made would have a strong effect on each organization, and would give the area a better look and appeal.
"Any time there is a positive change around the university it makes everyone involved look better," Luyster said.
These changes would show Greeks are not just partiers, but gentlemen, Brandon Eichmeier, a senior executive member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon, said.
"It's exciting for the chapter to have this new house," he said. "Hopefully it'll set a precedence to get other fraternity alumni involved. By having the houses together we can actually have a frat row and people will know there are the Greeks."
Kris Rarey, president of Theta Chi, said he thought all the changes would give a better view of Greeks.
"By coming closer together there will be an opportunity for all the houses to help each other more and the Greek system as a whole," Rarey said.
FIJI president Marty Merkel said the new house would be a great opportunity to expand and show FIJI was not just a house, but a brotherhood.
"I think all these changes will help uplift the spirits of all the houses and push us harder to excel," Merkel said.
Sigma Phi Epsilon's new house will show it is taking the steps necessary to get on par with other Sigma Phi Epsilon chapters around the country, Nevolo said, and have their success continue throughout the entire Greek system.
"It will be an example to other houses around Ball State that new houses will be a positive thing," Nevolo said. "It shows every house is working toward a better future."
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