The men of Theta Chi will start to rebuild their futures Saturday with the groundbreaking of the new Theta Chi house at 219 Ash Ave.

The groundbreaking will take place Saturday at 11 a.m.

Fire destroyed the original house on Oct. 5, 1996, taking many possessions and memories of the Theta Chi members.

Since then, the fraternity members have pulled together and devoted much of their time and energy to maintaining their fraternity.

Members of Theta Chi have been holding their meetings at the Memorial Union, and they received support from Adelante fraternity for accommodations.

“I’m amazed at how quickly we got this turned around,” said Jon Fleming, chapter adviser and member of the corporate board for Theta Chi.

The fraternity has collected funds from more than 600 alumni and has received tremendous support, Fleming said.

The campaign funds will be put toward a number of features in the new chapter house.

Fleming said these features will include state-of-the-art academic facilities, computer labs and individual study rooms. Life safety equipment also will be featured, including hard-wired smoke detectors and a sprinkler system.

Brian Hostert, public relations chairman of Theta Chi and senior in agronomy and seed science, said the men have been waiting a long time but are looking forward to the construction of the new house.

“The architect and contractor have consulted us every step of the way,” Hostert said. “And Jon Fleming has been great. He goes out of his way and looks after us.”

Matt Steward, member of Theta Chi and senior in agricultural business, said the members have been working hard.

“From day one, the architects have consulted with the active chapter members and have done their best in getting everything done,” Steward said. “We expect the house to be the best on campus and the best in the state.”

Eric Nelson, president-elect of Theta Chi and junior in horticulture, also said the members are looking forward to the groundbreaking.

“It’s been hard to stay together without the house, but we’ve gotten by,” Nelson said.

As the 34 members anxiously await the reconstruction of Theta Chi, the wheels are in motion for the groundbreaking ceremony.

All ISU administration, corporate board members, major financial contributors, current members and alumni are invited to the groundbreaking.

The new Theta Chi house is to be completed in August 1999, and the members are expected to move in around late August, Steward said.