Beta Theta Pi – Manhattan, KS

The Beta Theta Pi fraternity job consists of a 5,147.96 SF renovation as well as a 1,224.7 SF addition. The addition is a structural steel framed, slab on grade/slab on deck structure with a stone/stucco exterior and TPO roof. The lower level of the structure consists of a dining area, IT room, and storage closet. Finishes and amenities include decorative red oak door header, red oak window jambs/trim, a tiled floor with fraternity logo, and a fireplace. The second floor of the structure is being utilized as a study area and consists of large continuous countertop desks around the exterior of the room, individual study rooms, and a bathroom. The finishes and amenities include decorative crown molding, wood/window casings and trim, carpet flooring, and a fireplace. The renovation portion of the project consisted of mechanical/electrical systems replacement, new flooring, refinished ceilings, painting, custom loft beds/wardrobes, and new restroom facilities. The existing boiler/chiller system were replaced with VRF system that is supported by additional electric heaters. New lighting, electrical amenities, internet, fire alarm, and security access systems were installed throughout the building. New flooring was installed in the structure with much of the new flooring being tile or carpet. The custom loft beds were built in place and made from red oak. The lower portion of the loft beds consist of either wardrobes, custom built in couches, or a built-in desk. Additionally, custom wardrobes were built for each fraternity member. The newly renovated restroom facilities include epoxy showers, new partitions, toilet accessories, countertops, and flooring.

In preparation for the project, the contractor worked with all subcontractors/specialty subcontractors in early 2022 to ensure that all subcontracts were negotiated, and materials were procured for the tight 3-month timeline. The MEP subcontractor, general contractor, architect, and MEP engineer would discuss issues together regularly to ensure the solutions were streamlined. If not for the team approach, then we would not have been able to complete this challenging project on time. Due to the structure being almost a hundred years old with limited knowledge of several past renovations, we knew that there would be quite a few unknown conditions. Upon beginning the renovation, we discovered that the building consisted of several different construction types including structural stone, slab on deck, structural steel, wood framing, light gauge metal framing, structural brick, and even plaster. The project team had to work together daily to overcome several structural issues, rotting existing framing/fire damage, MEP routing issues, and various other unforeseen conditions. We also had the unique challenge of replacing nearly all the structure’s MEP systems. This included installing a unique combination of VRF units, electric heaters, furnaces, electric duct heaters, new lighting, fire alarm, and replacing a large portion of the bathroom plumbing.