House Tour
The Phi Sigma Kappa Lodge
House Tour
Completed in 1902, the Phi Sigma Kappa Lodge is the first house built to be a fraternity house in North America. Built specifically for the Gamma Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa, the house itself takes the shape of a gamma. The house is owned by the Gamma Chapter Housing Association. It was originally built at a cost of $26,000.
The house is a large white colonial that has always housed the brotherhood of Phi Sig at Cornell, the fraternity's longest continously running chapter. When originally built, the house included a personal tennis court in what is now the North Lawn. The balconies and porch provide a great place to hold barbecues and outdoor mixers and offer a stunning view of Cornell and Cayuga Lake.
The lodge is historically recognized by the Tompkin's County Historical Society. In addition, the Rare Manuscripts Library at Cornell University houses many of the historical documents important to the chapter and the house itself.
Various artifacts and literature regarding the history of the house and its brothers are additionally found in the house's Dr. Norman S. Moore Alcove, named for a brother and adviser to the Gamma Chapter for 75 years who also made it possible for us to own our chapter house.
While living in, brothers enjoy unique accommodations such as a ballroom dance floor, two bars, free cable and internet, a fully accessible restaurant-quality kitchen, music room, laundry machines, and many other benefits. The house has its own cook, Arthur Bimbaum, who cooks five days a week and has been featured in The Cornell Daily Sun.
The house underwent major renovations in 1989 using generous donations from our alumni association. Currently, a new capital campaign, "A House for the 21st Century," is underway. Please visit our Capital Campaign Giving page if you'd like to help support the house renovations.