As of September 2020, our chapter has been suspended due to an alleged Covid policy violation.
This suspension will last for one year, and although the brothers can still live in the house, the one punishment that affects us the most is that we cannot rush new members for the Spring 2021 semester. This may not be so bad, as the way things are going, there may not be a rush anyway.
2020 was a busy year! We installed a new boiler to replace the one installed in 1990, and also sleeved the chimney. The 15 year old stove was replaced with a state-of-the art Southland model. 2nd front windows were replaced and a new keypad-style lockset was installed on the front door (to match the one installed in 2019 on the back door). A new refrigerator was purchased for the commissary closet as well.
Three major projects were completed Summer 2019!
After decades of band-aid repairs, 2nd front bathroom shower was gutted to the studs and redone. New shower is also larger than previous one as there were 2 layers of walls.
The back door finally yielded, after many years of service. An off-the-shelf size did not work, so Ed built a new one from FULL 2" thick pine. Hoboken Lock installed a pin-pad entry lock which is working so well, we plan to add it to the front door also.
The exhaust fan in the kitchen was sub-standard at best, so a new kitchen hood with exterior mounted fan was installed. Replacing the 15 year old range is next on the list!
In 2017, we purchased a new kitchen base cabinet (10' commercial grade stainless steel) to replace to old, dilapidated metal cabinets that were original to the house.
After many years, 2nd front closet finally gets a much needed window!
Please note: the house has been re-keyed. Purpose is so we can use Hoboken Lock for our locksmithing needs (and stop using the Stevens Locksmith)
Therefore- ANYONE WHO HAS AN OLD KEY, IT WILL NOT WORK (SO PLEASE DO NOT TRY IT)
3rd rear was the "ground zero" 'for our bedbugs problems that started 3 years ago.
We have eradicated them from all bedrooms, but could not eliminate them from 3rd rear, even though the exterminator was there a half a dozed times!
We finally threw in the towel and hired a pest control company that brought in a huge heater, and "cooked" the room to above 120 degrees. Adding to the task was having the sprinkler system shut down for the duration (heads removed and capped), then have the technicians return after the heating process to re-install them.
Hopefully this will be the end of our bedbug issues!
The undergrads are interested in refinishing the bedroom floors and just started with 2nd rear and 3rd rear. the results are amazing!
Within the next few years, we plan to do all the rooms!
The extensive renovation to 833 Hudson St is complete!
After great success with the bar room floors last year, we went ahead and did the last of the floors in the basement. Looks great!
After 30+ years of the 3rd floor bath leaking into 2nd front closet, a floor drain was finally installed to provide a way to get rid of the water that splashes out of the shower. At the same time, a new exhaust fan was installed and properly vented through the roof.
After Mr Calabrese passed away in November 2012, his home was sold and purchased by a young couple (was listed for $ 1.8 million) who then gutted it, and are in the process of a massive renovation.
(Pictures will be updated periodically as work progresses)
Summer 2013- the back wall was repaired, repainted along with re-mounting the backboard and repainted the basketball court. Came out great!
The old wood floor (if you can call it that) was torn up and the undergrads removed it from the attic and disposed of it. It was quite a pile of debris! The ceiling joists were extended up to support the new floor and the insulation went in flush with the top. We then installed 13 sheet of plywood for the new floor that will provide storage and roof access.
In March 2013, we contracted with a professional company to come in and install epoxy floors in the basement. The result is fantastic, and we expect the floors to last virtually forever.
We were sad to learn that our long time neighbor Mr. Charles Calarese, passed away on November 12, 2012 at the age of 99 years old. We know him as "the nice guy next door" who, for the entire time we have been at 837Hudson St, has never complained of our shenanigans...and always had kind things to say about our fraternity.
He has lived on Hudson St since 1957, and was a self-employed barber. We will miss him.
October 2012
The window above the interior front door was falling apart, and was removed for repair. Further analysis showed that it was beyond repair so a new window was designed and installed. The person who did the stained glass is Steve Genualdi from Stained Glass Gallery in Morristown NJ. When I sent him the artwork for the new design, he quickly identified as Phi Sigma Kappa. To my surprise, he told me that he is a Phi Sig from Quinnipiac University! Twenty years ago, he also repaired our oval window on the 2nd floor stair which today is in great shape! (side note- the wood frame on the outside of this oval window was repaired and repainted 2 years ago).
If any alumnus, or class would like to donate the cost of this new window, the cost is $ 650.
Contact Ed Giacobbe for donation details at edgiacobbe@yahoo.com or 908 672 1254
Iota Assoc has contracted NJ Certified Roofing to repair the 3 chimneys on the roof. All 3 were re-pointed / repaired and 2 of the 3 were capped with aluminum as they are no longer in service.
We had some mysterious leaks that were thought to be originating from the roof. We were correct with this assumption as the mysterious leaks have vanished...
After decades of owning 837 Hudson, the day has finally come where the exposed bricks need repointing! A few months ago, a mystery leak started appearing in the ceiling of 2nd front. The roof was checked and there was not evidence of a leak. The problem persisted and Jetco Exterior Maintenace Company was called in. Upon examination from ground level, the inspector noticed several things that were not quite obvious. The contract was issued to perform the work on the 9th Street side (complete as of 10-22-16) and another contract was issued to finish the work at the front of the house and along the neighbor's side. Scope of work includes repointing, caulking, repair of cornice & painting, etc. The back of the house and half the far side is painted brick; which was repainted only a few years ago, and remains in good repair.
