GReek Row at the University of Washington is unique, perhaps unparalleled, in terms of the cohesiveness of its community.
In most colleges where off-campus fraternities spring up, the rows are usually dotted with Greek-letter houses arranged in a random pattern at varying distances and directions. But in Washington we found a Greek line with no distractions. Instead, our living space is very concentrated, confined almost entirely to the first few blocks north of campus, no more than seven blocks, and dominated almost entirely by the Greek-letter student housing development.
Gamma Phi Beta
Most homes in this area were built in the 1920s and early 1930s, and there is some uniformity in design and volume, although many were remodeled after the war. Most follow one of the two architectural styles of the period - University Tudor/Gothic or Georgian Revival. A number of prominent Seattle architects have brought considerable skill to these projects, including NBBJ co-founder William Bain Sr., the iconoclastic Ellsworth Storey, former University of Washington architecture professor Lionel "Spike" Pries, the prolific Arthur Loveless (his office designed at at least five dormitories) and Harlan Thomas, Dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Architecture.
While our current student residents may be surprised at the designation, the neighborhood could one day be designated an official historic district. In fact, you can still start the process today with some of the oldest homes built in the 80's.
But the history of Greeks at UW goes back more than 100 years. It began as a fraternity with the founding of the Sigma Nu Chapter in 1896, followed by Phi Gamma Delta and Phi Delta Theta in 1900, Beta Theta Phi in 1901, Sigma Chi and Kappa Sigma in 1903. The first sororities were Delta Gamma and Gamma Phi Beta in 1903 and Kappa Kappa Gamma in 1904.
Sigma now
The housing options of the Greeks proved very limited when they began to try their hand at university social standards. To the east and south, most of the campus is surrounded by Lake Washington and Portage Bay (which will soon be extended by the Montlake Canal). There is already a development on the west side of campus that is mostly residential and includes some commercial developments, opening up the possibility for temporary acquisitions but does not bode well for more ambitious plans.
In the college district, the areas north of campus are promising for future development, but only the blocks west of 15th Avenue N.E. to be bathed. So the first house of Greek letters has to do with what is available. Almost all of the 12 houses that existed in 1908 are on the northeast coast. West of 45th Street and 15th Avenue N.E.
The vacant area north of 45th Street and east of 15th Street still holds promise for the future if owners decide to redevelop. They did so in 1906 when the property went on the market as the University Park Addition, with new streets and blocks extending from 15th to 20th Avenues and north from 45th to 55th Avenues.
Greek "Main Street" appears
When Addition became available, the Greeks saw their chance. They were led by Kappa Sigma, moving from 46th Street in Brooklyn to 50th Street 18th Avenue N.E. in 1909. moved. In the long term, this distance will prove to be off the mark, but the direction is an indicator for the future.
Phi Beta Phi
The following year, the Kappa Sigs were joined by Gamma Phi Beta and Pi Beta Phi, both on 17th Avenue N.E., which would become "Main Street" on Greek Row. Every further movement of the others reinforces this tendency. For teens, there's overwhelming evidence that the place to be Greek is in these new neighborhoods just north of the UW campus — and the closer the better.
The initial site selection and construction of the nascent Greek Row was done in phases. In some cases, their original positions proved not necessarily permanent. A lot was built up in The Row's early years before the ownership model became established. The first houses were often made of wood, with several stories, gabled roofs and wide porches - and big porches! But for the most part, it's not the houses that make up the current character of UW Greek Row.
The current Greek residence was formed when Sigma Nus moved from its original location on 15th Avenue to its new address at the corner of 17th Avenue and 47th Street in 1917. They were so composed that they asked Seattle architect Ellsworth Storey to design the first of UW's famous Greek Row residences. Storey's design is a contemporary brickwork influenced by the Chicago School of Architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Taxi
A flood of new construction followed, with old wooden houses often having to be demolished to make room for new brick houses. By 1920, six Greek chapters occupied houses we still find today, and by 1931 there were 41 such houses (25 fraternities, 16 sororities) out of a total of 59 active UW chapters, usually in locations other than their original Greek lines.
During this building boom, houses followed two basic architectural styles. Many opt for the standard campus flavor of Collegiate Gothic. Others remember Georgian architecture, which was common in the colonial days of our country and was popular across the country in those years. The 1920s were a decade without many architectural possibilities - and without much pressure to innovate. Greek graduates who finance and oversee new buildings tend to prefer more traditional and formal styles of design. They are not adventurous in their building projects and are very budget conscious.
Houses compete for position and status
Delta Chronicle
1931 also proved to be the peak year for the number of Greek alphabet organizations at the University of Wisconsin. Interestingly, the Great Depression seems to have had little impact on the Greek system, with the number of active chapters showing remarkable stability during difficult economic times. However, World War II destabilized the Greeks and significantly reduced the number of active chapters. But in 1950 they revived.
In 1970, a new phenomenon appeared in Row: Greeks acquired more land in a wave of additions and renovations to expand the property, modernize the house, accommodate more members, and provide parking. Some additions were more successful than others, sacrificing architectural integrity for functional convenience.
Delta Upsilon
Then the early 1970s were particularly difficult for the Greeks. During the social upheavals of those years some groups disappeared, in other cases their houses remained Greek but changed hands due to organizational problems. However, several new homes have been built in recent years, further strengthening Row's concentration as a preferred location.
The story of Greek Row at the University of Washington shows a growing trend towards environmental integration. Over the years, it was believed that the relative dispersion of the north of the 1931 campus had given way to an increasingly concentrated preferred location, with rows of houses dominating about seven blocks on 45th Street, which runs parallel to the north edge of the campus.
Environments are becoming more cohesive, which was the case with Greek Row at the University of Wisconsin in 2001. A unique environmental expression, perhaps the cycle of railroad cars, but more likely a built environment reflecting the human quest for identity, belonging and status that the Greeks hoped to find in their bloodlines and their alliances.
Walk down the Greek street
Pigama Delta
Pigama Delta
4503 17th Ave. N.E.
"Without a doubt, it's the best of the best in design in terms of shape and space," said Johnston. While some of the other houses were "very derivative" in their use of Collegiate Gothic, Johnston preferred this more general approach, particularly the huge entrance hall and half-timbered living room ceiling. The only major home on The Row not designed by a local architect is the "Fiji" residence, a product of Philadelphia firm Mellor & Meigs, built in 1928-29 and expanded in the 1950s.
Sigma now
NE 1616 47. Straße
While early Greek houses were built of wood and had huge balconies, this brick construction set a new trend for the entire neighborhood. "It's an architecturally groundbreaking work," said Johnston. "It has a strong Frank Lloyd Wright quality with its eclectic design, strong horizontality of brickwork and distinctive roofline." Designed by Ellsworth Storey, the Sigma Nu residence dates back to
1915-16.
Phi Beta Phi
4548 17th Ave. N.E.
William J. Bain, Sr., one of the founders of NBBJ Architects, designed the original house in 1932–35 and the brick building in the 1950s. The Georgian Revival style is "a classic form of housing," says Johnston.
West-Crown
4535 17th Ave. N.E.
“Here we have the same vocabulary as Fiji House (Phi Gamma Delta) - collegiate gothic - but on a smaller scale. It's more intimate and romantic with its octagonal entrance tower,” said Johnston. "It's another William Bain Sr. and Lionel Price."
Phi Kappa Phi
Phi Kappa Phi
4530 17th Ave. N.E.
"So many original houses were seen on Greek Street before they were converted to stronger brick houses in the 1920s," Johnston said. "It has a colonial character and is framed in wood, a holdover from Row's early days."
Delta Chronicle
1819 47th Ave. N.E.
“The original building stood in the Gothic monastery tradition; however, its main facade was later obscured by a modern building. However, this was not successful,” Johnston said.
Delta Upsilon
4508 19th Ave. N.E.
“The Delta Upsilon is the most successful new home built, with the boldness of a frat house, solid and stable. It's not a spin-off, it's a product of its time, built by an architect who knows what he's doing and built to last,” said Johnston. Year of construction 1987.
Phi-Delta
2111 47th Ave. N.E.
It started out as a fairly formal Georgian house but was influenced by the addition of a modern glazed balcony. "It is a pity. The porch completely destroys the building's original atmosphere," Johnston said, "and instead it's nothing."
Sigma Kappa
Sigma Kappa
4510 22nd Ave. N.E.
"It's a free and romantic take on Academy Gothic, particularly with its round towers and Gothic entrance," Johnston said.
Gamma Phi Beta
4529 17th Ave. N.E.
"The sophistication and sophistication of the home marks it as a college dorm, in contrast to the more austere character of its sorority neighbors," Johnston said. Originally designed by William J. Bain Sr. Built with Lionel Pries in 1932-35 and recently "modernized".
Taxi
4522 18th Ave. N.E.
“A very interesting use of standard bricks, Theta Xi is a great example of collegiate Gothic language stripped and scaled for residential use. A good example is Arthur Loveless' company, which has built at least five Greek homes," Johnston said.
Delta Kappa Epsilon
Delta Kappa Epsilon
47 NE 1800 Blvd.
It was originally the home of Alpha Tau Omega, designed by William Bain Sr. and Lionel Price. Pries joined Washington University as a professor of architecture in 1928 and began a 30-year career at Washington University. “The walled entrance courtyard of this house is fantastic. The beautiful front door goes well with the early Renaissance theme,” says Johnston. Built in 1929.
Kappa Kappa Gamma
4504 18th Ave. N.E.
The residence was designed by architect Harlan Thomas, who designed Seattle's landmarks such as Harborview Hospital, the Sorrento Hotel, the Corner Market Building at Pike Place Public Market, and the Pi, now 19 Kappa Alpha Residences. "Comfortable, conservative home design," says Johnston. Built in 1930.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
4506 NE 17th Avenue
“Academy Gothic is recognizable by its cast stones, decorations and Gothic tracery. Note the cast stone medallion plaque on the door. The lion was moved back into the building from the sidewalk to reduce vandalism. The addition was made to the Satisfactory “An attempt to pay tribute to the Collegiate Gothic where business needed something less ambitious. It had modern terminology but was true to the original," Johnston said.
Sigma Chi
4505 18th Ave. N.E.
“Here we've interpreted J. Lister Holmes' gothic collegiate tradition with a less-than-sweet modern twist. I appreciate the masonry and the half-timbered look. The limestone is said to be from the island of San Juan at Port Roche Macmillan Manor," said Johnston, who lived in the house as a student in the early 1940s.
both sides:Two alumni, one Greek and one non-Greek, discuss the merits of each path based on the experiences of UW students.
Norman Johnston, 42, architecture professor emeritus, was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity while attending the University of Wisconsin. An expert on the architecture of the UW campus, Johnston is the author of "Fountains and Hills" and a recent Princeton Architectural Press guidebook entitled "The University of Washington".
FAQs
Where is the UW Greek Row? ›
But the houses that, in large part, have established the present character of the UW's Greek Row were not these. Today's generation of Greek Row houses began when the Sigma Nus made their rather late move in 1917 from their original 15th Avenue site to a new address on the corner of 17th Avenue and 47th Street.
What percentage of uw madison is in greek life? ›Over 5,000 students representing approximately 14% of the undergraduate community are members of fraternities and sororities.
What percentage of University of Washington students are in Greek life? ›There are over 750 student organizations, including 32 fraternities and 16 sororities. About 5% of students join Greek life.
How much does sorority cost at University of Washington? ›AOII charged at least 68 students for the 2020-2021 school year, typically $6,250 each plus late fees for some, according to the state.
Is Greek life big at Washu? ›About 1,000 students are members of a sorority or fraternity, making up approximately 15 percent of the undergraduate student population.
Is Greek life big at UW Seattle? ›Approximately 4,700 students take part as members. All but six of the organizations maintain membership in a council which provides programs, services and governance.
What is the top sorority at Wisconsin? ›- Alpha Chi Omega - ΑΧΩ Rate. Ratings: 512. ...
- Alpha Epsilon Phi - ΑΕΦ Rate. Ratings: 239. ...
- Alpha Kappa Alpha - ΑΚΑ Rate. Ratings: 12. ...
- Alpha Phi - ΑΦ Rate. Ratings: 561. ...
- Alpha Xi Delta - ΑΞΔ Rate. Ratings: 370. ...
- Chi Omega - ΧΩ Rate. ...
- Delta Delta Delta - ΔΔΔ Rate. ...
- Delta Gamma - ΔΓ Rate.
University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (Champaign, IL): UIUC has the largest Greek system in the world by membership, and as a result, a significant portion of students on campus belong to some kind of fraternity or sorority.
Is Greek life big at Union College? ›As the home of the Union Triad, we are hailed as the Mother of Fraternities. As such, Union College has always been a leader in the Fraternity and Sorority movement.
What university has the highest percent of Greek life? ›| School | Location | In fraternity |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | 45% |
| Transylvania University | Lexington, KY | 44% |
| Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX | 43% |
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 40% |
What are the top frat houses at UW? ›
- Acacia. Rate. Ratings: 73. ...
- Alpha Delta Phi - ΑΔΦ Rate. Ratings: 185. ...
- Alpha Epsilon Pi - ΑΕΠ Rate. Ratings: 117. ...
- Alpha Sigma Phi - ΑΣΦ Rate. Ratings: 277. ...
- Alpha Tau Omega - ΑΤΩ Rate. Ratings: 51. ...
- Beta Theta Pi - ΒΘΠ Rate. Ratings: 190. ...
- Chi Psi - ΧΨ Rate. ...
- Delta Chi - ΔΧ Ratings: 90.
With 26 fraternities and almost 3,000 members, Greek men represent 26% of the male undergraduate student body. Our mission is to govern, serve, represent, and promote, with the highest standard of integrity, its member fraternities.
What sorority has to pay $250000 to refund UW students? ›AOII sorority unlawfully charges UW students, must pay $250,000 in refunds. On Jan. 6, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that the Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) sorority must refund and waive housing fees that were unlawfully charged to members of the UW chapter for the 2020-2021 school year.
What sorority has the highest dues? ›The most expensive sorority, or at least one of the most expensive, is the University of Alabama. A new member will pay over $4,000 per semester.
Are sorority houses cheaper than dorms? ›Depending on where you attend college and the other lodging options available, living in a sorority house may be cheaper than living in a dorm.
Why is WashU ranked so high? ›Not only has the money raised the university's standing — one of the main factors in the U.S. News rankings is financial resources — but it has also provided Wash U. the wherewithal to advance its footing in another category the magazine weighs: caliber of the student body.
What is the best thing about WashU? ›WashU excels in providing research opportunities to students from across all of its academic disciplines. One major advantage of participating in research at WashU in comparison to other large research universities, is that most labs are willing and eager to pay their undergraduate students for their time.
Is Washington University prestigious? ›Washington University in St. Louis is ranked #15 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
Does UW have parties? ›The party scene at UW is multifaceted, and student experiences generally depend on where they live, whether that be in a sorority or fraternity house, on-campus housing, or an off-campus house or apartment.
How many frats are there at UW? ›The UW is home to 22 active fraternities with over 1,800 members. As one of the biggest Greek Communities on the West Coast, we offer a variety of experiences for students. Learn more about our various chapters and find contact info for their leadership below.
How much of UC Berkeley is in Greek life? ›
The CalGreeks community is comprised of 2,800 life-long, undergraduate members in over 60+ local, national, and international fraternities and sororities. In addition to their chapters, members have the opportunity to participate and take leadership roles in CalGreeks affinity groups and governing councils.
Which sorority has the most celebrities? ›Most Celebrity Alums: Kappa Alpha Theta
With nearly 220,000 women internationally, Kappa Alpha Theta isn't hurting for members. However, it boasts an unusually high number of famous alumni.
With over 2,400 members nationwide, Delta Phi Omega is the largest, strongest, and fastest growing sorority of its kind.
Which sorority is the most devoted to public service? ›Most devoted to public service: Delta Sigma Theta
The founding sisters of Delta Sigma Theta, the largest Greek-letter organization for black women, marched in Washington, D.C.'s Women's Suffrage March just two months after the organization's establishment in 1913 at Howard University.
The National Technical University of Athens is Greece's highest-ranked institution, joint 477th in 2021. Established in 1837, the National Technical University of Athens (or NTUA) is one of the oldest universities in Greece.
What percent of MIT is in Greek life? ›Forty percent of the undergraduate population is affiliated with a fraternity, sorority, or living group. FSILGs play an active role on campus, and members hold leadership positions in various clubs and organizations.
What college is the Mother of Fraternities? ›The Mother of Fraternities refers to two colleges: Union College and Miami University, both of which founded many early fraternities.
Do people in frats make more money? ›In a paper titled “Social Animal House: The Economic and Academic Consequences of Fraternity Membership,” researchers from Union College found that going Greek raises your income by 36 percent down the line. The academic cost, meanwhile, is a small one: a 0.25 point drop in GPA on the traditional 4-point-scale.
Is Greek life in college worth it? ›Perhaps the most well-known benefit of Greek life is the ability to build instant connections and create lifelong friendships. Many students struggle in their early college years to meet new people and find a social circle, but sororities and fraternities help foster these tight-knit connections right off the bat.
What percent of Yale is in Greek life? ›Yale advertises, conservatively, that only 10% of its students are members of Greek organizations.
What is the largest sorority in the United States? ›
Chi Omega has 181 active collegiate chapters and approximately 240 alumnae chapters. Since its founding in 1895 at the University of Arkansas, the sorority has initiated over 355,000 members with more than 28,000 undergraduates added each year, making it the largest women's sorority organization by membership.
What is the biggest fraternity? ›Like No Other. Kappa Sigma is the largest college social fraternity in the world with more than 250,000 living members, including over 17,000 undergraduates and nearly 300 chapters and colonies located throughout the United States and Canada.
What is the best UW dorm? ›- Elm Hall. Beautiful dorm under the HFS housing system. ...
- Alder Hall. Alder Hall, 1315 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98105, United States. ...
- McMahon Hall. 4200 Whitman Ct NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States. ...
- Willow Hall. 4294 Whitman Ln NE, Seattle, WA 98195, United States. ...
- Terry Hall.
But the history of the Greeks at the University of Washington goes back more than 100 years. It started in 1896 with the founding, among fraternities, of the Sigma Nu chapter, followed in 1900 by both Phi Gamma Delta and Phi Delta Theta, in 1901 by Beta Theta Phi and, in 1903 by both Sigma Chi and Kappa Sigma.
What is the oldest frat house? ›The first fraternity house seems to have been located at Alpha Epsilon of Chi Psi at the University of Michigan around 1846. As fraternity membership was punishable by expulsion at many colleges at this time, the house was located deep in the woods.
What GPA do you need for sororities at Auburn? ›The all sorority GPA is usually above a 3.2. In some circumstances, however, women with GPAs below the requirements do receive bids, but please be advised that having grades below the requirements do limit your chances of pledging. A t-shirt is included in your recruitment fee. Additional shirts may be ordered for $15.
Can you be in 2 sororities? ›The Panhellenic Compact, which is a Unanimous Agreement between the 26 member organizations that make up the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), prohibits dual membership. Basically, women are not allowed to join two NPC sororities in their life.
What college has the most sororities? ›Pennsylvania State University
The university boasts one of the largest fraternity and sorority communities in North America. There are now 27 officially recognized sororities at the institution.
After the event, if the sorority thinks you are a good fit, the sorority will give you a bid. You decide if you want to accept the bid or not. Usually, you have 24 hours to accept your bid.
What happens if I don't pay my sorority dues? ›If you don't pay for those things, you can get kicked out of the chapter, and that happened to a member of my chapter while I was there. (I should note there were a limited number of scholarships available to help with the cost.)
What can get you dropped from a sorority? ›
Grades. While you're likely to do more partying and community service with your sorority sisters than taking tests, academics are still an important part of the Greek life. The New York Times reported that one of the most common reasons that sororities drop a pledge is poor grades.
What is the most expensive sorority house? ›Take a look inside the new $13 million Phi Mu sorority house at the University of Alabama. The brand new 39,444-square-foot sorority house opened in the summer. Take a look inside.
What is the hottest sorority? ›1.Alpha Omicron Pi – Indiana University
AOII at IU always comes out on top of the rankings. Boasting a whopping 605 ratings, these ladies are known for their friendliness, good looks, and dedication to school. With AOII being the biggest sorority in the country, it's no surprise this chapter takes the top spot.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $78,500 | $6,541 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,500 | $3,541 |
| Average | $40,780 | $3,398 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 |
Alumni Dues.
To continue bearing the name and receiving the benefits of being a member of a Greek-letter organization, one is required to pay fees even after they have already graduated.
Becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority can be expensive — but scholarships, grants, payment plans, or student loans could help you pay for it.
Do sorority girls share rooms? ›Some chapters may have room for all of their members in their facilities while others only have room for certain officers. Other campuses might have a designated campus facility for sorority chapters, such as space reserved a specific dormitory, so sorority members can share living space in that way.
Is there Greek life at UW La Crosse? ›Welcome to Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse! We're excited that you're interested in learning more about what our community has to offer!
Is Greek life big at University of Cincinnati? ›In 1840, the first fraternity at the University of Cincinnati was founded. Since then, the fraternity and sorority community at UC includes more than 3,200 students at our Uptown, Clermont, Blue Ash, and Medical campuses.
Is Syracuse big on Greek life? ›Our first sorority, Alpha Phi followed in 1872, and our multicultural chapters are some of the oldest in New York State. Today, over 50+ organizations make up the Greek community on our campus, and they are as diverse as its members.
What is the biggest frat club? ›
Kappa Sigma is the largest college social fraternity in the world with more than 250,000 living members, including over 17,000 undergraduates and nearly 300 chapters and colonies located throughout the United States and Canada.
Is Order of Omega a big deal? ›The Order of Omega is a prestigious society that recognizes outstanding leadership and academic achievement among fraternity and sorority members. Founded in 1959, the society has grown to include over 500 chapters across the United States and Canada.
Is UW-La Crosse a dry campus? ›UW- La Crosse has developed specific institutional regulations to permit the use and possession of alcohol beverages by individuals above the minimum legal drinking age. Students and employees who fail to comply with UW-La Crosse regulations are subject to disciplinary action.
What schools has the biggest Greek life? ›- #1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Champaign, IL. ...
- #2. The University of Alabama. Tuscaloosa, AL. ...
- #3. University of Mississippi. University, MS. ...
- #4. Howard University. Washington, DC. ...
- #5. Florida State University. Tallahassee, FL. ...
- #6. University of Georgia. ...
- #7. Lehigh University. ...
- #8. Syracuse University.
- Missouri, 34.
- Alabama, 30.
- Auburn, 28.
- South Carolina, 27.
- Georgia, 26.
- Florida, 25.
Quarterly dues (not including housing) range from $25 – $600, depending on the fraternity or sorority. And this money is used for fun and educational stuff, like socials, wellness activities, sporting events, formals and dances, conferences, personal and professional development opportunities, and more.
Is Greek life big at Ole Miss? ›Recognized for the Grove, their massive game day tailgating feed, and their Hotty Toddy football cheer, students attending the University of Mississippi are very proud of their campus life and more than 6,500 students are members of the Ole Miss Greek community, making it the of the largest organizations on campus.
Is there Greek life at University of Georgia? ›As one of the largest communities of students within the University, the UGA Greek Life Office strives to provide opportunities to better represent the diversity of students on our campus.
Is there Greek life at University of Alabama? ›With more than 11,000 students – over 35 percent of UA's undergraduate population – our university has four different councils that are split up into 66 fraternities and sororities. Over 11,000 students are involved in Greek life on campus.