Christina Harris lived in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority house at the University of Oklahoma for three years. Now, she’s returning—but this time, as an interior designer charged with giving the modest digs a makeover to the tune of $14 million.
Harris says that back in 2007 to 2009, the sorority house had one large lounge space shared by 86 girls. It also had a study area that could accommodate only about 15 people at a time. But the new renovation will include a 10,000-square-foot addition, giving the Kappa Alpha Theta home a space large enough for the entire chapter.
It will also have “new bathrooms complete with dry bars, for an added touch of luxury and convenience,” Harris adds.
Kappa Alpha Theta’s renovation might seem over the top, but it’s become the norm for a number of sorority houses across America that are splurging on multimillion-dollar makeovers featuring high-end coffee stations, lounge-like loos, opulent libraries, and much more that make sorority living feel more like a luxury resort rather than college.
“Potential new members often get their first impression of a sorority through social media,” says Harris, the associate principal of GH2 Architects in Tulsa, OK.“It’s now easier than ever to see how a Greek house in Oklahoma compares to one on the East or West Coast.”
Liz Toombs, who owns an interior design firm that specializes in sorority houses, says social media plays a big role in the makeovers.
“Beautiful spaces get shared and liked, which creates a bit of a friendly competition among houses to have the most Instagram-worthy interiors,” she says.
It has also pushed top-tier sororities across the country to up their game. And typically sororities—not the universities—are the ones that foot the bill.
One reason behind these extravagant renovations is that they’re increasingly seen as crucial in recruiting the best of the best during rush week. For professionals who specialize in sorority house design, the pressure’s on to stay one step ahead of the latest trends.
“I keep an eye on Rushtok and dormtok, as well as new design industry trends, to give me fresh ideas,” explains Toombs. She also asks members for “inspiration photos” she can use as a starting point to create “spaces that are not just functional but also visually stunning.”
Harris says renovations on her former sorority house have just begun, with hopes of completion by next year. Overall, she plans to emphasize the importance of creating beautiful spaces that reflect the house’s unique character and culture.
“Regardless of social media impressions, we have been truly focused on creating a warm and inviting environment for those girls who are lucky enough to call Kappa Alpha Theta home,” says Harris.
Curious just how opulent a sorority house can be today? Here are two other sorority houses that have undergone extensive renovations, with some jaw-dropping results.
Tri Delta, University of Arkansas
The 2018 expansion and renovation of the University of Arkansas’s Tri Delta 7,760-square-foot sorority house “increased the house to approximately 43,000 square feet and cost approximately $14 million,” according to architect Jim Yeary, of Yeary Lindsey Architects.
For legacy purposes, the original chapter house was retained, gutted, and renovated on the interior and exterior. Two former additions were removed, and three new wings were added.
“The chapter was very receptive to incorporating architectural detailing throughout the house,” explains Yeary. “There is also more of an emphasis on bathrooms, finishes, and furniture that helped enliven the spaces.”
He designed large common areas, including a multipurpose room that seats over 300 for chapter meetings and yoga sessions.
Delta Zeta, University of Alabama
Sorority recruitment at the University of Alabama is so intense, that TikTok videos with the Bama Rush hashtag get millions of views, and its rush week was even the subject of the 2023 documentary “Bama Rush.”
That’s one reason why the Delta Zeta house at the University of Alabama is ready for its closeup at all times.
Sorority members live in the lap of luxury in the $17 million, 40,000-square-foot megamansion.
The old house was razed in 2017 to make way for a palatial new structure with a grand entrance with a sweeping staircase and crystal chandelier.
Architect Les Cole, of Cole & Cole Architects, says he intentionally gave the building more of a residential scale, “like many of the large custom houses we’ve designed over the years,” he says.
The luxurious rooms are appointed with fireplaces, bookshelves, paneled walls, decorative ceilings, and many specialty fixtures and finishes.
“The goal was to create a home away from home where the young women could go between classes, linger, and connect,” Cole explains.
The mammoth house contains a 250-seat dining hall with as many as 800 meals served daily; a 300-seat chapter room; multiple living areas and lounges; bedrooms for 66 members; seven study rooms; and a T-shirt station for storage and distribution.
There’s even a “presentation practice room” that includes videoconferencing equipment for member presentation practice and Zoom meetings.
Home, sweet home, indeed.
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