Locals fight for Kappa Sigma house

The proposed demolition of an abandoned IU fraternity house sparked Bloomington residents into action recently. Students and alumni have pledged support to try to save the house.\nThe house, at 503 E. Third St., was home to Kappa Sigma fraternity from its construction in 1926 until the 1960s, when the University bought the house.\nKappa Sigma member and IU alum Dick Schmalz said he believes it is important to save the house because it is a historic landmark.\n"It's a landmark for the city and it has so much heritage," Schmalz said.\nHe added that the house has played host to prominent musicians and was a haven for music on campus. Schmalz said that during the time the fraternity used the house, Kappa Sigma played host to bands and was one of the most competitive groups to perform at IU Sing. The house was once visited by jazz legend, IU graduate and Kappa Sigma member Hoagy Carmichael.\n"We were always known for IU Sing," he said. "We won that thing several times." \nSchmalz said he believes the musical traditions and historic significance of the house make it worth preserving.\nSome students say the house should be preserved not just for its historic value, but because it could be remodeled and used by another fraternity. Citing a lack of space, some students say they think the house might be ideal for an unhoused fraternity.\nJordan Loeb, an IU Student Association representative and member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, is starting a campaign to preserve the house. He introduced a resolution to support preserving the house to the IUSA Congress Tuesday, but the congress could not make a quorum and was unable to vote on the resolution.\n"There currently exist fraternities that do not have houses," Loeb said, "and a house is something vital to the atmosphere and experience of the greek system. Since this house was once a greek residence and there are greeks looking to use it, it should be returned to its original purpose."\nLoeb, along with other students, spoke with members of the IU board of trustees last week in an attempt to convince them to preserve the house. Trustee Cora Smith Breckenridge told the full board she had no recommendations about changing the current plan to demolish the house after meeting with Loeb and several other students.\nLoeb's IUSA resolution cites a commitment from former University Chancellor Herman B Wells to support the greek system and says that "destruction of the Kappa Sigma house would go against the concept of increased fraternity support."\nSeveral fraternities on campus have expressed interest in the house. Some fraternity members say they are concerned because there is no additional land in the University master plan for fraternity housing. They hope land currently allotted to fraternity housing will remain in use by the greek system, Loeb said.\nUniversity officials said the house is unusable, and it would cost around $1 million to renovate it. There are currently no plans for a new building after the house is demolished.