CLARKSVILLE, TN –(CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Sigma Chi Chapter at Austin Peay State University held a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday for their new fraternity house, which will be the first new house built by a fraternity near the university campus.

Close to 100 people including current Sigma Chi brothers, alumni brothers, and university officials, along with those involved with the design and construction of the house, were on hand for the event at 224 Marion St.

Sigma Chi Brothers and guests at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sigma Chi Fraternity House at 224 Marion Street on Feb. 19, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Sigmi Chi Brothers, APSU officials, and guests, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sigma Chi Fraternity House at 224 Marion Street on Feb. 19, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sigma Chi Fraternity House at 224 Marion Street on Feb. 19, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Austin Peay State University President, Dr. Michael Licari, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sigma Chi Fraternity House at 224 Marion Street on Feb. 19, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Concept drawing of the new Sigma Chi Fraternity House for the groundbreaking ceremony at 224 Marion Street on Feb. 19, 2022. Submitted drawing by Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Frank Pierce, president of the Eta Xi House Corp., said Sigma Chi has been on the campus of Austin Peay State University for nearly 50 years, and they have always wanted to have a permanent home.

“It’s been a long time coming; we’ve had a lot of support over the years, and a lot of people have worked very hard to get us to this point,” Pierce said. He added that the goal is to have the house completed in time for the fall semester.

“Congratulations on the fact that you are literally breaking ground and figuratively breaking ground, in terms of the connection of the Greek life community to the university,” said APSU President Michael Licari. “This represents that commitment that you are firmly and permanently connected to Austin Peay State University.”