Southeast plans move forward with new Greek housing

Add Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - It's an idea that's been long talked about on the Southeast Missouri State University campus and it's finally taking shape.

Preliminary plans for a $6 million Greek Village are being considered by the university, but the project doesn't come without some opposition.

Nothing has been set in stone yet, but the possible homes would sit on 9 acres of campus along North Sprigg Street.

The site would allow for seven homes, which could house 20 to 25 students each.

Four out of the 16 Greek organizations on campus have already expressed interest in moving in if they're built, which they would lease from the university.

Right now, some chapter houses are scattered around campus and some Greek members said they're excited about the possibility to be unified on spot.

"It's very exciting. It means that we are going to have something that is really going to be ours rather then something that is residence hall style on campus," said Parker Butler of Lambda Chi Alpha. "We are going to have something that is huge that is completely and totally community driven and so we are all really excited about it," he said.

But the idea isn't sitting well with everyone.

There's been a petition created to save two historic homes currently on the site that have housed Greek organizations in the past, which would be demolished if the draft was passed.

The university says the cost to bring the homes up to code outweighs the construction of building brand new ones.

The final plans will be brought to the Board of Regents in May for a final approval.