The Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) fraternity house on West University Avenue is undergoing about $120,000 in renovations this summer.
The changes, which are being funded by alumni donations, are part of a five-year construction plan.
“We’re replacing the major support beams out in the front of the house that support the foyer roof,” said 19-year-old David Corbin, the fraternity’s house manager. “They are the original beams, and after 50 years, they’re basically rotted through.”
In addition, loft beds were built in some of the bedrooms, and the kitchen is being replaced. The pillars in the front of the house are being repainted as well.
“We want to keep this house going strong as long as possible because the bones are still good,” Corbin said.
The beams should be done before Fall starts, and the kitchen is due to be finished in November.
“It’s definitely needed these renovations for a while,” said UF engineering sophomore John D’Amore, 19. “The contractors have been pretty speedy with the work so it hasn’t been too inconvenient.”
Corbin, a UF telecommunication and political science sophomore, said the fraternity hopes to install more loft beds and wood floors next summer.
“Pike was the first fraternity house at UF,” Corbin said. “When it was built, it was a masterpiece. Now, it’s struggling to hang in there.”