Michigan Alpha Chapter House of Phi Delta Theta facts for kids
The Phi Delta Theta House is a beautiful building in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It's a great example of a building style called Georgian Revival architecture. This house was finished in 1903 and is so special that it's on the Michigan Register of Historic Places. You can find it close to the edge of the University of Michigan's main campus.
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A Historic Home for Students
The Michigan Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Theta built this house between 1902 and 1903. It was their very first permanent home on campus! Phi Delta Theta was one of the first student groups at the University of Michigan, starting way back on November 28, 1864. Many people helped pay for the house, including former students (called alumni), teachers, and current student members.
Building a Special House
This three-story house was designed by a person named Alpheus W. Chittenden. It was built by the Koch brothers construction company. Before this house, there was an older mansion on the same spot.
The Phi Delta Theta House is made of red brick and sits on a slightly raised base. It has a special front entrance that sticks out, with tall, round columns supporting it. Inside, the house has thirteen bedrooms and can comfortably fit more than thirty students.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
On March 22, 1983, the State of Michigan recognized the house as a historic place. It was added to the Michigan Register of Historic Places. This house is important because it's an early example of the Georgian Revival style. It also reminds us of one of the oldest student groups at the University of Michigan.
Keeping History Alive
In the early 2000s, the Michigan Alpha chapter spent about $500,000 to completely fix up the house. They wanted to make it look as close to its original historic style as possible. Some parts of the inside were changed after big fires in the 1970s and when new building rules came out. However, most of the original layout of the rooms is still the same today.
