THE MANSION
THE MANSION
During later decades, Omega also had to deal with the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, the Civil Rights Movement and a new generation of Omega Men. It was during the decade of the 60’s, that the brotherhood began to think about having a permanent meeting facility and providing a dormitory facility for the undergraduate brothers attending Texas Southern University. Under the leadership of the Basileus, Brother C.W. Thompson, the members of the chapter decided to make a big commitment for themselves and began the task of finding the perfect real estate. After many months of searching for the right financial deal and location, an exquisite house located at 2615 Calumet presented itself to the members.
The brotherhood agreed to purchase the house. In order to legally enter into a financial arrangement, a board of trustees was established. The original members of the board of trustees were Brothers H.P. Carter, W.L.D. Johnson, Samuel L. Prince, C.W, Thompson and Ned Wade. With the board of trustees in place, the chapter was ready to move forward. A financial agreement was worked out with the owner, Mr. Barry Tobias, and with additional financial assistance from the National Office, the signing of The Deed of Trust was completed June 24, 1965. Thus, the concept of a “Frat House” was born.
Unfortunately, in the early morning hours of December 26, 1976, Nu Phi experienced a very disheartening event. The Frat House was nearly destroyed by fire. The Fire Marshall determined that the fire was an act of arson and that more than seven separate fires had been set. However, being true Omega Men as they were, the members of the chapter set about the business of pulling themselves up by their Omega bootstraps. Brother James Hendricks, Basileus, held the chapter together during this low period in Nu Phi history. Brother Hendricks and his Ad Hoc Housing Committee began the slow process of rebuilding and redesigning the chapter house. Brother Harold Houston and Brother Marcus Sheppard served as the architect and designer for this project, respectively. In 1986, during Brother Raymond Bourgeois’ administration, the restoration of the “Frat House” was completed and under the steady leadership of Brother Charles Qualls, chapter Keeper of Finance, all financial obligations on the house were retired and the burning of the deed ceremony was finalized in 1986 - thus creating a new era and a new philosophy for the use of the “Frat House