Building for the future

In 2013 Idaho FarmHouse embarked on a capital campaign to renovate the exterior of the facility with a more traditional fraternity look. That campaign fell short of the goals and the chapter faced increasing challenges leading to the decision to close the facility in the summer of 2020 with a target return to campus in 2022.

We took advantage of that time to determine what the revitalized chapter would need to be successful upon reconstitution. With help from alumni and friends in and around Moscow, we learned that the phrase “they don’t build them like they used to” applied to our house. While the interior and exterior facade needed some work, the facility has outstanding bones to work from. We opted to focus our initial efforts capitalizing on energy efficiency projects completed in the 2010s by replacing the original single stage boiler with a modern three-unit boiler system. In correspondence with Keith LeTourneau and Diane LeTourneau Helton they shared that they felt Doc would have been pleased to learn of the new roof and especially the new boiler after the time he spent keeping “that darn boiler” running.

The association worked with Kristin Pond Montgomery and Kim Kliewer, a pair of Alpha Gamma Delta alumnae married to FarmHouse alumni to develop remodel plans for all of the common areas in the house. Concurrently we worked with FarmHouse alum Will Howard, Principal at Stack Rock Group to develop a landscape plan for the exterior. The team brought the invaluable experience of familiarity with the house to create interior and exterior designs that reflect FarmHouse while embracing the mid century modern architecture and provide lasting durability. 2022-2023 saw the interior design come to life with demolition in spring and summer of 2022 then reconstruction through the fall and into early 2023.

When the men of FarmHouse moved back into the facility in August 2024 they worked hand-in-hand with our Facility Management Committee led by Dick Wittman and Milt Johnston to remodel individual rooms with new vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, new window coverings, and updated LED lighting. These rooms are set to be furnished with modular furniture packages including a lofted bed, desk with chair, and additional clothing storage.

Three men indoors holding construction tools, including a sander, caulking gun, and paint roller, in a room under renovation.

Furniture Day!

On March 21, 2025 we took delivery of the full complement of furniture for the first floor bedrooms. The men of the chapter did most of the heavy lifting with some alumni guidance and support of Papé Machinery in Moscow donating the time and operation of a tractor. Over the next couple weeks the men will continue unpacking and assembling the furniture sets with new dressers, wardrobes, lofted beds, writing desks, and two-position chairs.

Empty room with light blue walls, large windows, and a mountain mural. Folding chairs and a box are scattered on the floor. A ceiling-mounted chandelier is present, and sunlight is streaming in through the windows.
Commercial boilers and piping in a basement mechanical room
Interior of a room under renovation with exposed walls, chandeliers, large windows, and construction materials like plywood, stacked tiles, and paint cans.
Room under renovation with exposed wooden framing and pipes, featuring an office chair in the center.
Dimly lit hallway with open doorway and partially finished room, featuring bare walls and incomplete flooring.
Room under renovation with wall patches, exposed plumbing, and floor protection in progress.
Unfinished doorway with exposed wall framing and a vacuum cleaner nearby.
Partially constructed restroom with three sinks and overhead lights, chair, and construction materials on the floor.
Interior of a room under renovation with wood flooring, tools, paint cans, and a wooden cabinet.
Industrial kitchen being renovated with appliances, cabinets, counters, and construction tools
Indoor staircase with gray steps, wooden handrails, and a closed double door at the top under bright overhead lighting.
Basement room with wooden walls and shelves, track lighting, and hardwood flooring. A white bucket, orange toolbox, and various tools are on the floor. Green pipes are visible along the ceiling and wall.
An empty room with wood-paneled walls and a wooden floor. The left wall has framed documents hanging on it. Built-in shelves with books are on the far wall. A small window is visible in the right corner. Overhead, there are track lights on the ceilin
Public restroom with three toilet stalls, a urinal, and a window.
Public restroom with three sinks and mirrors
Spacious room with wooden floors, large windows, and a brick fireplace. Tables and chairs are stacked on one side, along with black bags and utility items, suggesting ongoing renovation or setup.
Two people painting a room, holding paint brushes and a tray of white paint. One wears a blue shirt and the other a light blue shirt. They are standing next to painted shelves and a paint bucket on the floor.

Donate to the renovation effort!

If you like what you see here and are able to help keep the work going consider a donation! For tax deductible donations or more specific gift designations contact donate@uidahofarmhouse.com