Reconstruction Gallery
Devastated by fire in 2008, reconstruction on 1025 Spruce began in February of 2012. The following photo galleries document the steps in rebuilding the Chi House. On the 18th of July, 2013, The Chi House was rebuilt and the brothers of Chi Chapter moved back into their rightful home.
The Old House
These are some of the pictures taken of the house before it was destroyed in the fire.
Several of the pictures taken after the fire.
The New House
March 26, 2012This was our first opportunity to get into the house and see the beginning of the reconstruction of Phi Chi. At this point, we are about 5 weeks into work on the house; a majority of the time has been dedicated to the removal of hazardous materials from the fire. At this point, construction has focused on strengthening the frame of the house so the rest of the renovation effort can continue.
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April 17, 2012Some time has passed since our first visit to the construction site. Since the last visit, some architectural changes have been made that will allow the building to remain with updated safety standards. This includes the building of a 4 floor staircase tower toward the back of the building, adjacent to the backyard. Framework continues to fortify the overall building, and the floor work has given us access to third and fourth floor views. We also have an opportunity to see the basement for the first time. It was exciting to see the amount of work being accomplished as we get closer to a new Chi Chapter House!
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May 10, 2012Karl Oberg, Jon Beri, and Giuseppe Staltari join the fun as we tour the house. At this stage the floors are starting to come together, with many of the rooms having support beams throughout as they complete the floors. The roof is coming together and we are beginning to see the breakdown of specific bedrooms and an idea of how they are going to shape up. Slowly but surely the house is coming together and the house continues to develop.
September 14, 2012Jonathan Beri, Giuseppe Staltari, and new freshman member Ethan Sellers joined for a visit at the house. The construction during the summer has been a slow and arduous process, but we are nearing the completion of Phase II of the project, with the electrical and a majority of the infrastructure completed. The back stairwell has been completed and the two wings of the house have become connected. We are on our way to the best fraternity house in Jefferson, and perhaps the world...
May 22, 2013The house is almost done! Cory Bovenzi went to the house to check on progress: the walls have been spackled and painted, some trim has been added, and handrails in the back stairwell have been installed. The front historic stairwell is also almost done being restored! The place is finally looking like a real house and in about 2 months it will be complete. It has been a long road to bringing Phi Chi's home back and we cannot wait to celebrate its opening with you all
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June 20, 2012Mr. Elijah Grillo and Mr. Jonathan Beri joined me on a sweltering 96 degree summer day and walkthrough of the house which unfortunately did not have the AC running today. Some big yet subtle changes can be seen, with the framing of most of the rooms complete and the electrical wiring going through the house. It is becoming much easier to see how the size of the rooms will shape up, and we are slowly but surely moving closer to a functional house!
April 17, 2013It has been quite a while since the last update but there should only be a few short months between us and the grand reopening of Chi Chapter's home. Cory Bovenzi and Giuseppe Staltari met at the house with the construction company to oversee the final stages of construction. The construction was on a hiatus due to costs and a legal dispute, but a mortgage has been secured and construction has resumed. HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work has been put in, with insulation being the most recent development. Drywall has been delivered and will be installed over the next few weeks. Importantly, the 1st floor entry stairwell built in the 1890's has been temporarily removed for historic reconstruction. Construction is going according to schedule and 1025 Spruce St will soon be the most desirable place to live in Philadelphia.
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