Alligator Online
By KYLIE CRAIG
The brothers of Kappa Sigma kicked off construction of their future chapter house Saturday by demolishing its old residence and learning of a $75,000 donation to the project.
The Interfraternity Council member chapter, which now resides at 21 W Fraternity Row, will begin construction on its nearly $2.5 million home in October.
The fraternity is renting Sigma Nu Fraternity's house but is moving because the organization is recolonizing at UF.
Fraternity members expect construction of the 20,000-square-foot house to be completed in August 2006.
UF alumnus and Kappa Sigma brother Marshall Stevens spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Stevens, who is also the president of Kappa Sigma's housing corporation, donated $50,000 to the construction of the new house.
He spoke to the nearly 100 fraternity members about his late father, who was also a member of the fraternity.
Stevens then announced a donation of $75,000 given by his mother in his father's name.
"It's important to me," Stevens said. "My father was in Kappa Sigma in the '50s, and this was one of his projects."
Kappa Sigma member Ryan Merkel is assisting Stevens in heading the construction.
Merkel said they chose the property because of its location.
"Being next to the sorority area would be beneficial, and there is no Fraternity Row land," he said.
Merkel said they are hoping to receive $1.5 million of the $2.5 million needed for construction from fraternity members and alumni.
Following Stevens' speech, a bulldozer began to tear down the current residence at 1120 SW Ninth Road, the location of the chapter's future home.
Fraternity members erupted in cheers as the home was demolished.
They proceeded to help the demolition, picking up cinder blocks and throwing them through windows of the house.
Stevens said he's looking forward to the start of construction.
"You've got to carry on the flame," he said. "It's exciting."