The “Pike” House went “silent” in 1993.

Ryan Flickinger, chapter consultant for Pi Kappa Alpha, said when a chapter decides to go “silent” they decide to close it down temporarily to give the fraternity time to restructure.

Ted Rowe, expansion consultant of the house, said the men had problems with the housing corporation.

“The men were leasing the house and when they had conflicts with the corporation, they were asked to leave,” Rowe said.

Problems occurred, Rowe said, because the chapter missed a few house payments. The suspension given to the house ended this year.

Flickinger said they are looking for a select group of men to join Pi Kappa Alpha. “We are looking for individuals who are leaders, gentlemen, scholars and athletes,” he said.

Flickinger said they are very specific when choosing members. “Numbers is not an issue right now. If we find 80 guys that have these qualities then great, if we find three guys then we would be happy.”

The officers are conducting their interviews based on recommendations.

“We are taking recommendations from alumni, coaches, professors and sorority women,” Rowe said. Even though they have just begun interviewing, Rowe said he is very pleased with the results.

Pi Kappa Alpha still owns its fraternity house on Lincoln Way. It is currently being leased to the Sigma Pi fraternity.

“We have a very good relationship with the men of Sigma Pi and they have been very cooperative,” Rowe said. He added Pi Kappa Alpha plans to move back into its old house.

The officers are taking action to see that the past of the ISU Pike House does not influence the present.

“We are setting up an alumni advisory board to handle any future problems with the house,” Rowe said.

However, Rowe does not expect any problems to arise because of their interviewing procedures.

“I’d like to emphasize that we are starting from scratch,” he said. “Pi Kappa Alpha is a great fraternity nationally and we plan to continue the tradition at ISU.”