Dear Phi Kaps

It’s my honor to preside as President of the Phi Kappa Theta Building Corporation for the next few years. I cherished my time at Iowa State, especially as a member of our beautiful Fraternity at 2110 Lincolnway. Those 4 years were some of the best times of my life. With that said, I want to update all on the current projects that are underway at the House.

The Chapter House – 2110 Lincolnway

Last spring, the new corner monument sign was completed – it has been financed by generous donors and the Foundation. There was new landscaping installed to enhance the sign along with new lighting. The Sign, which was designed by brother Holmquist, is a nice addition to our prominent corner.

Other work around the house this year will be additional front and side yard landscaping improvements. Exterior cleaning of the house and miscellaneous interior improvements – including servicing the mechanical systems and lighting throughout the house.

Some of the new improvements at the house through this school year. will be getting a new piano, new chairs & furniture, finalizing the updated study room / library and updating the bathrooms. The house and annex also have a new updated internet system.

I want to thank the past president – Ty Mueller who steered the ship earlier this year. and Tom Mercer before him. – The building corp meets on the first wed of each month, on an evening zoom call . We will continue to identify areas where we can improve the house, and we welcome anyone who has suggestions – please feel free to contact myself and the building corp.

The Annex – 117 Beach

Over the previous years, The PKT Annex / Apartments have been leased to outside tenants as a way to keep a cash flow coming in. However, With our impressive 2025 recruiting class, the annex will be housed by Phi Kappa Theta Brothers – preferably upper classmen. – The Main Chapter house has room to house approx 32-34 brothers – and the Annex will have 11-12 brothers. The Details will be worked upon prior to the end of the fall semester.

The Iowa Xi Capital Campaign – New House Project

The most exciting news is the building corporation will be undergoing a Large Capital campaign to enlarge our Fraternity – It has been decided to increase the house to 65 Brothers. A Subcommitted has been established – led by some really dedicated alumni. The committee includes Dan, KC Gerlitz, Jeff Funke, Jon Luksetich, Bill Fleischacker, Jim Lynxweiller, Alex Davis – and undergraduate Dylan Carney. As of this day, Thanks to our funds from the Foundation, we have entered into an agreement with Pennington, (fundraising consulting) and RMH architects, who are developing plans for this project. After thorough evaluation of the existing house condition, we decided strongly that a New Chapter House should be built – taking advantage of our prominent site as you enter the University. While we all love the charm of our 100 year old Tudor Style PKT House, we felt its time to Think Big, and do a new Chapter house that will stand for the next 100 years.

This feasibility study is in its early stages – The fundraising effort will begin this November. Architectural Plans and Renderings are being developed as I write this. We are presenting the project this homecoming, and look forward to hearing everyone’s feedback.

Closing Statement

So, brothers, while a lot of work has taken place, the most exciting work is ahead of us. We have a long way to go, but the Time is Now. If you’d like to be involved please reach out to me.

Also – last but not least – we welcome any financial help you can provide. Especially to the 2110 Club. Gifts to the 2110 Club are used exclusively for property improvements to the Chapter House and Annex. While the minimum annual gift is $21/year, we suggest $210 or $2,110. Thank you in advance. And remember, “Give, expecting nothing thereof.”

In the Bonds,

Ed Larson ‘84

President, Iowa XI Building Corporation

Building Corporation Members