After Fire Code Violations, West Virginia Fraternities Struggle with Costs

At least four West Virginia University fraternities still can’t move back into the houses they were evicted from last spring.

Houses for Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Sigma Kappa were condemned in May for fire code violations like non-working fire alarms, holes in ceilings and blocked entrances.

The groups are trying to raise or borrow money to make repairs, but some face hefty costs.

The Phi Gamma Delta house had 112 fire code violations and renovations are expected to cost nearly $560,000. The building needs new windows, fire alarms and a sprinkler system.

“It was never kept up from the 70s” when the fraternity purchased the house, said Phi Gamma Delta President Julian Carvalho.

Phi Delta Theta plans to raze its building and start fresh. Pi Kappa Phi hopes to reopen its doors by May.

Phi Sigma Kappa is undergoing a $3 million renovation, with construction starting this year.