Moving is never convenient

A proposal to expand the Maurer School of Law could mean a relocation for Phi Gamma Delta fraternity members, the demolition of a group of historic homes and controversy left to be sorted.

In short, this would be a lose-lose situation for most parties involved.
However, it does appear to be warranted in more ways than one.

First of all, the Phi Gamma Delta house was a hot spot for years.
The University has made no bones about the fact that the possession of the piece of real estate in which the “Fiji” boys live would be necessary for expansion of academic
buildings.

Not to mention the fact that most students who have spent time in the Fiji house claim it has seen better days anyway.Nostalgia makes the move a little salty, but the fraternity had to have seen this coming.

As for the “historical” buildings over on Eighth Street and Woodlawn Avenue,  I’m calling your bluff.

If someone can come up with an actual reason that the buildings are historically significant — not just that they’re really, really old, then I can understand some hesitation in removing them to make way for a big, bad frat castle.

As a soon-to-be displaced journalism student, I do feel for the WIUX radio station folks.

Nonetheless, the Radio and TV Building, as well as the new Franklin Hall media school, could be great options for relocation of IU’s student radio.

This isn’t especially convenient for anyone.

Moving never is.

Still it does appear the University and the IU Foundation have  made every justifiable effort to make the transition as fair and smooth as humanly possible.

If you think about it, the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity gets a brand spanking new house in a great location close to campus, the law school gets a much needed expansion and the WIUX radio station can relocate to a place just as nice, if not nicer, than where they are currently.

The “historic” houses are just bulldozed.

But as they say, the only thing permanent in life is change.

Without it, IU wouldn’t be the fantastic and innovative University it is today.

—  cnmcelwa@indiana.edu

Follow columnist
Claire McElwain on Twitter
@clairemc_IDS.