Kappa Delta looks to fix its sinking house

Kappa Delta is sinking.

The sorority house, located on East Franklin Street, is currently facing problems with its drainage system.

Water is pooling under the property, unevenly weakening its foundation and causing parts of the house to slowly sink into the ground.

“It was kind of a running joke within KD that the house was sinking, but we’re all really glad it’s being fixed,” sorority President Caroline Peterson said.

The main cause of this problem is the condominiums next door, said Kappa Delta Treasurer Alex Molella.

“The infrastructure leads the drainage water to come to our yard, which messed with the house’s foundation,” Molella said.

Construction to fix the house is under way and set to end later this week.

This project will not be a financial burden to the sorority.

“The house runs like a business — part of the dues paid by members are reserved for situations such as this,” Molella said. “We have enough to cover it.”

The project has been broken down into two parts.

First, a new drainage system must be installed so that excess water can be removed from the property, which will allow the house to stand upright.

“There were sliding doors that wouldn’t close the right way,” Peterson said.

Hannah Utilities Inc., of Durham, is in charge of installing the new drainage system, which will tie into Chapel Hill’s main water line on Rosemary Street.

John Henner, owner of Hannah Utilities, said his portion of the project will cost about$79,000.

The sorority will benefit in more ways than just by getting a new drainage system.

“The downstairs common areas will be redecorated as part of the renovations this summer,” said Megan McGinity, member of the house corporation board of Kappa Delta.

Although the construction has congested traffic along Rosemary Street, Henner said he has not received any complaints.

The second part of the project focuses on repairing the

foundation.

Ram Jack Foundation Solutions, also in Durham, will begin restoring the damage caused by the standing water, starting with reinforcing the existing bearing walls.

Engineer Tom Admay, who is in charge of renovations, said the repairs will be relatively minor.

“We will be making some structural improvements in the drainage system by adding support to a couple locations in the house, including areas of the floor and foyer,” Admay said.

Senior writer Dean Drescher contributed reporting. Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.