The brothers of Kappa Sigma have paid off their house and initiated a $10,000 renovation project.

The house was built in 1984 by nationals and is under its first round of renovations.

“This renovation has been in the plans for 2-3 years,” said Kappa Sigma brother Bishop Alexander.

The money raised came from alumni and outside resources.Vice President Anthony Hester has headed up the project and contributed to the progress.

“This is just the patch-up work,” he said.

Work began in August, starting with the back deck. Further improvements include new windows, doors, floors, ceilings and alarms to ensure security.

Last year, composites were stolen from the house and have yet to be returned. The new security will hopefully cut down on potential theft, officials said.

Second Vice President Jacob Crowell said now was the time to make the house new again. He said that for more than 27 years, the house has shown the wear and tear of 40-50 brothers a semester coming in and out of the building.

“Everyone’s doing their part, and we’re excited for our future,” said Kappa Sigma member Kelly Hester.

One new addition to the house will be a study room on the top floor. Members of Kappa Sigma have talked to other fraternities to compare ideas on how to model the new room. Currently, the house has a simple study room, but the brothers said they want to add a library. Alexander said that the present study room has significantly increased the chapter’s overall GPA.

Alexander said the renovations will benefit everyone who comes to the house.

“The new renovations are coming at a good time with the expansion of the university moving to Division I,” he said. “The whole Greek community is getting ready for the move.”

The fraternity will be hosting a note-burning ceremony Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. The event will recognize that the house officially belongs to UNA’s chapter of Kappa Sigma.

The guest list is said to include President William Cale, Vice President of Advancement Alan Medders, Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields and Board of Trustees President Steve Pierce, along with the undergraduates of Kappa Sigma.

Alexander said he plans to work with Kappa Sigma’s executive board and 2011 Sweetheart Jordan Brasher to host an event for campus student leaders and the public Sept. 23 from 6-8 p.m. This event will give individuals the opportunity to see the renovations and meet the brothers of Kappa Sigma.

“I’m anxious to see how it’ll turn out,” said Kappa Sigma Secretary J.T. Adams. “The house at its current state is our only disadvantage during rush. The house renovations will appeal to new rushees.”

Within the next few years, Kappa Sigma hopes to receive $150,000 from donations to continue renovations.

Future plans are said to include adding a new social room located on the outside of the house.

“The extra building will hold casual events while the actual house will be for formal events,” Crowell said.

The new room is said to help preserve the renovations that are now taking place.

Along with the new building, the money is said to help remodel the three upstairs bathrooms and to help fix the basement.

Kappa Sigma pledge Gray Baxter said he’s excited to see the improvements.

“It shows they’re building for the future,” he said.