Litany of fraternity problems

Here is a description of what happened to Ball State fraternity houses that have closed in recent years, along with future plans for the chapters' houses, all of which now stand empty:

Sigma Tau Gamma house

The first national fraternity to start a chapter at what was then Ball State Teachers College, Sigma Tau Gamma disbanded in the early 1990s. Alums of the chapter sold the fraternity house, located at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Locust Street, to Theta Chi for about $300,000, according to Theta Chi alumni. The creme-colored brick building, designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, was damaged by a 1994 fire that cost $50,000 in damage. The house has sat empty for more than a decade now.

Alpha Tau Omega house

ATO defaulted on its loan agreement with the university in spring 2002, resulting in the chapter's closure. The university guaranteed a loan in 1993 for $550,000 to build the house, at 220 N. McKinley Ave. Ball State plans to use the property for undisclosed purposes or possibly trade it for another property in the community, officials have said.

Theta Xi house

The Theta Xi house has sat empty since the fraternity disbanded in early 2003. The Theta Xis were suspended by the university for risk management problems related to a hazing incident reported by a disaffiliated member in early 2003. Details of the incident were not made public following the investigation.

The house, at 904 W. Riverside Ave., is owned and maintained by alumni of the national organization. Officials say it will remain empty until the chapter is allowed to return to Ball State in 2006.

Beta Theta Pi house

The Betas defaulted on their loan agreement with Ball State, and their chapter closed in August 2003. The university guaranteed a loan in 1995 for $400,000 to cover construction of the house, at 900 W. Riverside Ave. The property since has been vandalized. Ball State has said repairs will not be made until a decision is reached on the future use of the property.

Delta Chi house

Like the Betas, Delta Chi defaulted on its loan agreement and its chapter closed in June 2003. The university guaranteed a loan for Delta Chi in 1993 for $500,000 to fund the demolition of an old house and the building of the current one at 1100 W. Riverside Ave. The university is currently negotiating to sell the property.

Lambda Chi house

The Lambda Chis had their charter pulled by their national organization in December for failure to meet minimal expectations. The house, at 1110 Riverside Ave., is owned and maintained by alumni of the national organization. According to local alumni adviser John Schmitz, the property is for sale. The asking price is $450,000.