The lion changing colors almost every week isn’t the only special thing about UF’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house.
The SAE house, built in 1963 by Gene Leedy, has been recognized by the Florida chapter of the American Institute of Architects as one of the Top 100 buildings in Florida.
The No. 1 building will be the one with the most votes on the American Institute of Architects’ website. Results will be announced later this month.
“It would be good positive recognition for us because it’s very public knowledge that we did come into some trouble with the university a couple years ago,” said SAE President Nathan Kenney, a 21-year-old food science and human nutrition junior. “So this honor would help shine a positive light on our fraternity.”
SAE found out about the architecture honor when alumni shared the link through email and Facebook last month. Tyler Letson, 20-year-old finance sophomore, said he found out when he received an email from the former president of SAE.
“SAE is the essence of our fraternity, providing a place to reside, eat and enjoy ourselves. It would be great to be recognized for all that it has given us,” Letson said.
Kenney said the fraternity is proud it can represent SAE chapters and UF and that it’s the only fraternity house on the list.
He cited many aspects of the three-story building that make it unique, including its large courtyard.
“It’s also structurally cool that there is no actual front door,” Kenney said. “There are multiple side entrances, but no true front door. You can basically reach any room from any side of the house because of this.”
Letson considers the SAE house to be more of a castle, noting it is best known for the lion that stands guard in front.
“We are truly blessed to have such an extraordinary building in which to work hard and play harder,” he said.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house has been recognized by the Florida chapter of the American Institute of Architects as one of the Top 100 buildings in Florida.
