By
Irene Hsiao
Arizona Daily Wildcat
About 70 percent of the charred house re-finished
The former Alpha Tau Omega house is one step closer to having occupants again after the fraternity was evicted and then an arson-related fire severely damaged the building - both two years ago.
A chain-linked fence still encompasses the house - which when completed will house the Delta Tau Delta fraternity - with a portable toilet in front, next to the tent used for rush activities this week.
Michael Hetke, Delta Tau Delta fraternity president, said the renovations will be finished the last week of November, with an absolute deadline of Dec. 1. He estimated that about 70 percent of the building has now been upgraded.
"All the framing is done, the wiring is done, the AC's done, they're throwing up drywall currently," he said.
The $1.5 million Delta Tau Delta house, 1050 N. Cherry Ave., will have 52 members living there.
The 65-member fraternity has been at its current location, 1550 N. Vine, for the past 11 years. That house has an open-ended lease and is owned by the university.
"We wanted to be on campus forever, we finally found the location on greek row, and that's exciting for everyone," he said.
A hint of Alpha Tau Omega remains on the side of the building - marks from the engraved ATO symbol is still readable above the front door.
Delta Tau Delta was in the process of purchasing the Alpha Tau Omega house before it burned, according to Kathy Adams Reister, Greek Life coordinator.
Hetke said the house was bought at a discounted price because of the blaze. However, he didn't know the exact amount.
Alpha Tau Omega's charter was pulled by their national organization before the members were evicted from the house.
"There are no ATO members that are active," Reister said.
