The rebuilding turned out to be a lengthy process, partly because the project was subject to review by the city’s Historic Architectural and Preservation Commission, which oversees buildings in Oxford’s historic districts. The reconstruction was able to preserve the front facade of the structure, built in the early 1800s, said Jung-Han Chen, the city’s director of development, with new construction built to the north and to the west.
The rebuilt structure will be able to house about 50 people, which is approximately the number it housed before the fire, Chen said. The house has been brought up to code with new fire alarms and a sprinkler system, said Simonds. With the construction still incomplete, it will house about 30 people for now.
“It’s been a major financial commitment to us. I thought it would cost a little less than $3 million, but when you’re trying to preserve something that old that’s been battered by fire, everything seems to lead to a new problem,” he said.
Alumni have helped by donating $1.5 million to the project.
“We’ve received some wonderful support from the alumni. We’re very proud that some of our brothers have done very well in life,” Simonds said.
Investigators ruled the fire was an arson, but whether it was purposefully set is unknown. No one was hurt in the blaze.
“No one has been charged. We were hoping if it was a malicious thing, someone would answer for it. But it may have been a fraternity prank gone bad,” said Simonds.
Some work still remains to be done on the first floor, but the building is expected to have an open house Oct. 3. The historic building had been home to two or three Miami University presidents, he said.
“We’ve worked very diligently, and we’re proud as all heck of the beautiful transition from the campus of Miami to the business community. It’s historic preservation personified and the whole community has been supportive,” said Simonds.
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