It’s amazing what fresh paint, new furniture and updated fixtures can do for a space. Don’t believe us? Just look at Tau Chapter’s facility at the University of Oregon. The Tau Chapter House Corporation Board was ready to zhuzh up the facility’s common space on the main floor, including the foyer, dining room, library, formal living room, TV room, hallways and bathrooms. This effort carried two major benefits. First, it creates welcoming, functional spaces for current chapter members, fostering connection and supporting academic success. Second, it helps ensure the chapter remains competitive and appeals to potential new members. So, how did they do it? The 1872 Properties Design and Construction team crafted a design plan that required zero construction to significantly update the facility’s entire first floor. They added design touches that scream Alpha Phi and
paired them with modern-meets-classic furniture and fixtures. But it wasn’t just about looking cute; function was key. With a chapter of this size, the team knew they needed additional seating throughout the communal areas. They achieved this by creating built-in bench seating in several rooms, installing a wrap-around sectional in the TV room and filling empty corners with cafe-style seating that can be easily rearranged to fit members’ needs. For wall art, the team utilized the chapter’s historical photographs, carefully pulling them from storage and giving them their moment to shine. These photographs, representing the proud legacy of a single- letter chapter, were elegantly framed and installed throughout the space, ensuring Tau Chapter’s history is celebrated in every room. The big reveal came just before the 2024- 25 academic year. Taylor Herring (Tau-
Oregon), vice president of finance and housing, remembers both the anticipation and the moment she experienced the new spaces. “When I found out our main floor was getting redone, I was excited and curious — how different would it look? Would it still feel warm and inviting? When I stepped inside last year and saw it for the first time, I was overjoyed. That same welcoming feeling was there, only tenfold. The main floor is absolutely gorgeous and meets all our needs. We get excited to eat together in the dining room, watch movies in the TV room and even study in the library. The house feels new again while honoring all its rich history and memories. I’m thrilled to welcome new members and create even more memories here, and I’m proud to call Alpha Phi my home away from home.” Keep up with Oregon-Tau on Instagram @uoalphaphi.
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