The property at 410 S. Oak Street was built in 1979 by a local entrepreneur and friend of Pi Kappa Phi, William “Bill” Ohlendorf. Ohlendorf constructed the property and it benefitted several different fraternity groups over the years with Ohlendorf serving as landlord. At one point, the property was sold to a fraternity and then several years later Ohlendorf purchased the building back as the fraternity folded. In 2014, as Bill was contemplating the future of the building and land on Oak Street, Pi Kappa Phi Leadership Consultant Nick Prichodko (Omega – Purdue) approached Bill about the newly forming chapter leasing the property. After some consideration, Bill agreed and over $100,000 of improvements were made to the building prior to Kappa Beta (Illinois State) taking occupancy in August 2014.
The Kappa Beta Chapter chartered in April 2015 and currently has over 90 members. Pi Kappa Phi Properties engaged in talks with Ohlendorf for over a year. Several volunteer Board Directors, including Jay Stuckel (Beta Epsilon – Missouri) and Bill Furling (Epsilon Mu – Bradley) inspected the property and assisted the Board in acquiring the property. Due to a number of commitments in 2015, closing finally occurred in late December.
The property, which sleeps 34 men boasts several large common spaces in the two-story chapter house, including a full unfinished basement. Over winter break 2016, improvements were made to the restrooms of the property. Additionally, the chapter house has a full commercial kitchen with food service provided by a local third party provider. Additionally, there is ample parking and a full volleyball court at the back of the property.
The purchase was possible in part by an investment made by the Pi Kappa Phi Properties Housing Investment Fund. The Housing Investment Fund has made the purchase of seven chapter houses since its initial funding in spring 2013.
For more information on this story or regarding housing for your chapter, contact Pi Kappa Phi Properties at Properties@pikapp.org.