FC: Penn State wins right to buy Beta Theta Pi property

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

Penn State wins right to buy fraternity house where Timothy Piazza was fatally injured

That's a sweet property. It will be interesting to see if Don Abbey has any recourse to recoup his investment in the property.

 

[NittPicker]

I was inside the house a couple of times and could see the university using it as a place for small official meetings and receptions. It could be managed by whatever department runs the Nittany Lion Inn. It has a kitchen, dining room, and gathering area. It would be a shame to tear down a perfectly good, beautiful building simply because someone died there. Using that logic, Pattee should be torn down as well.

 

[Bertrand]

Hope they keep it intact. Really nice building. Hope the Nittany Lion Inn will be sold to a chain sometime next year. A chance to make that a really great property.

 

[BobPSU92]

Penn State wins right to buy fraternity house where Timothy Piazza was fatally injured

That's a sweet property. It will be interesting to see if Don Abbey has any recourse to his investment in the property.

“The two regularly exchanged emails about the future of the property. Suggestions from Jim Piazza included demolishing the building, repurposing it as an engineering building that bore Tim’s name or — at minimum — acquiring the land.”

I guess one can never have too many engineering buildings, but there already is a plan underway to construct new engineering buildings west of Atherton Street.

Also, as sad as the kid’s death was, you don’t name an engineering building after an unaccomplished 19-year-old. That would be ludicrous.

They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

 

[BobPSU92]

Hope they keep it intact. Really nice building. Hope the Nittany Lion Inn will be sold to a chain sometime next year. A chance to make that a really great property.

I’d hate to see The Nittany Lion Inn be taken over by a chain. It would lose its charm and character.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

“The two regularly exchanged emails about the future of the property. Suggestions from Jim Piazza included demolishing the building, repurposing it as an engineering building that bore Tim’s name or — at minimum — acquiring the land.”

I guess one can never have too many engineering buildings, but there already is a plan underway to construct new engineering buildings west of Atherton Street.

They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

I’m still waiting for the Tim’s father to step up and admit his son shared in the blame for his death. The young man drank heavily before he even went to the Beta event.

 

[BobPSU92]

I’m still waiting for the Tim’s father to step up and admit his son shared in the blame for his death. The young man drank heavily before he even went to the Beta event.

Will never happen. Of course, this gives barren another opportunity to malign the entire Greek system.

 

[BW Lion]

A new house for the new President.

 

[BobPSU92]

A new house for the new President.

 

[NittPicker]

A new house for the new President.

The current president's residence (Schreyer House) looks like a sweet place to stay. Besides, I can't imagine a university president in 2022 wanting to actually live among the students. Gross!!!!

 

[PSUFTG]

Penn State wins right to buy fraternity house where Timothy Piazza was fatally injured

That's a sweet property. It will be interesting to see if Don Abbey has any recourse to his investment in the property.

Abbey has a pending lawsuit. I won't get into all the details, but when he put a chunk of money into the restoration (somewhere on the order of $10 million) there was a provision that he would be repaid if the structure was no longer used to house the fraternity. Those are the broad strokes.
I would, best guess, assume that when Penn State takes over the property, a large chunk of the proceeds will end up being directed back to Abbey - either directly, or after first passing through the custodianship of the national fraternity. But you never know for sure.

The lawsuit between Penn State and the Fraternity - which is the ruling being discussed currently - essentially puts Penn State into a position to "name their price" with regard to taking over the building (There are provisions for an arbitration of sorts if the two sides can't make a deal - but we know how those work - it is essentially Penn State bidding against itself, since no one else can really get involved in the market. Again, that is in broad strokes.)
The fact that Penn State, and anyone associated with Penn State, managed to be held completely without responsibility in the entire affair, given the chronology of the re-opening of the fraternity, is just a stunning example of common sense being inundated and overwhelmed by spin and media frenzy. And now, they will not only remain unencumbered, but will likely reap a sizeable windfall.

 

[BobPSU92]

The current president's residence (Schreyer House) looks like a sweet place to stay. Besides, I can't imagine a university president in 2022 wanting to actually live among the students. Gross!!!!

“It is said that the students are revolting.”

”You said it. They stink on ice.”

 

[NittPicker]

Abbey has a pending lawsuit. I won't get into all the details, but when he put a chunk of money into the restoration (somewhere on the order of $10 million) there was a provision that he would be repaid if the structure was no longer used to house the fraternity. Those are the broad strokes.
I would, best guess, assume that when Penn State takes over the property, a large chunk of the proceeds will end up being directed back to Abbey - either directly, or after first passing through the custodianship of the national fraternity. But you never know for sure.

The lawsuit between Penn State and the Fraternity - which is the ruling being discussed currently - essentially puts Penn State into a position to "name their price" with regard to taking over the building (There are provisions for an arbitration of sorts if the two sides can't make a deal - but we know how those work - it is essentially Penn State bidding against itself, since no one else can really get involved in the market. Again, that is in broad strokes.)
The fact that Penn State, and anyone associated with Penn State, managed to be held completely without responsibility in the entire affair, given the chronology of the re-opening of the fraternity, is just a stunning example of common sense being inundated and overwhelmed by spin and media frenzy. And now, they will not only remain unencumbered, but will likely reap a sizeable windfall.

I have no idea what the property is worth but would the university work a deal with the national chapter and Abbey to satisfy all parties? For example, would they pay $10 million just to make it all go away? Or would the university try to play hardball since, as you noted, it is simply bidding against itself?

 

[PSUFTG]

I have no idea what the property is worth but would the university work a deal with the national chapter and Abbey to satisfy all parties? For example, would they pay $10 million just to make it all go away? Or would the university try to play hardball since, as you noted, it is simply bidding against itself?

Your guess may be as good as mine.

 

[colby57]

I’m still waiting for the Tim’s father to step up and admit his son shared in the blame for his death. The young man drank heavily before he even went to the Beta event.

Do you have kids? Look at one of them and think about how you would feel. It’s easy to be judgementel from the outside. You must be perfect. You don’t know his dad or the family. Slam a father who
lost his son. Big of you on the internet.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

Do you have kids? Look at one of them and think about how you would feel. It’s easy to be judgementel from the outside. You must be perfect. You don’t know his dad or the family. Slam a father who
lost his son. Big of you on the internet.

So blaming everyone else over and over is fine with you? I’m a recovering alcoholic and have buried over a dozen close friends because they never stopped playing the victim. You’re out of your depth here trust me

 

[colby57]

The parents have traveled the country talking to other college students about hazing and drinking and have also established a charity in their sons name to provide prosthetics to children and have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yup just sitting around being victims not doing anything to help others. Oh and the hazing laws they helped get passed. Hopefully You never lost your kid. I would think even you would know it’s different. Grief can be overwhelming as I am sure you know. Thanks for straightening me out though. Appreciate the condescending tone. I can’t imagine how I would deal with losing one of my kids. I doubt that I would live up to your standards though whether I was wrong or not.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

The parents have traveled the country talking to other college students about hazing and drinking and have also established a charity in their sons name to provide prosthetics to children and have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yup just sitting around being victims not doing anything to help others. Oh and the hazing laws they helped get passed. Hopefully You never lost your kid. I would think even you would know it’s different. Grief can be overwhelming as I am sure you know. Thanks for straightening me out though. Appreciate the condescending tone. I can’t imagine how I would deal with losing one of my kids. I doubt that I would live up to your standards though whether I was wrong or not.

So me one quote where he clearly admits his son has a role in his demise. That’s all I ask. Going around pointing out the evils of everyone else is not accepting responsibility.

 

[colby57]

So me one quote where he clearly admits his son has a role in his demise. That’s all I ask. Going around pointing out the evils of everyone else is not accepting responsibility.

I have read your messages many times over the years and have found them to be very funny. You seem like a great guy. I am sorry you have suffered losses and hope you continue to be successful in your own battle. We obviously have different views here and doubt either of us will completely see the other side. I really don’t see any reason to continue going back and forth. You are certainly entitled to your views. I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays and stay safe.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

I have read your messages many times over the years and have found them to be very funny. You seem like a great guy. I am sorry you have suffered losses and hope you continue to be successful in your own battle. We obviously have different views here and doubt either of us will completely see the other side. I really don’t see any reason to continue going back and forth. You are certainly entitled to your views. I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays and stay safe.

Let me give a better (less caustic) explanation of my point on this and then we can enjoy the joy the rest of this evening. Throughout the last 15 years I’ve sponsored scores of people in recovery, some have made it while others didn’t. I’ve spoken at jails, institutions, and rehab centers, telling my story to whom ever will listen. I’ve attended way too many funerals of those who lost their battle largely because they didn’t accept their powerlessness… or what really upsets me, they had family/friends who failed to hold their loved ones accountable. For the record I do have children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. Of course I feel deeply for his loss. But right away he came strong at everyone else and as far as I’ve seen never once spoke about his sons personal responsibility, or his own responsibility as a parent. In my opinion this is not productive and actual kind of pisses me off. I hope his parents find peace in their journey.

 

[Nittany1865Farmer]

Isn't that property one of the few "old" buildings of the PSU campus that existed from the turn of the 20th century? We lost the Armory and many other "vintage" buildings in the name of progress. Why would PSU not want to keep the historic nature of one of its few remaining buildings left to provide a link to it's past during a simpler time.

 

[Michnit]

“The two regularly exchanged emails about the future of the property. Suggestions from Jim Piazza included demolishing the building, repurposing it as an engineering building that bore Tim’s name or — at minimum — acquiring the land.”

I guess one can never have too many engineering buildings, but there already is a plan underway to construct new engineering buildings west of Atherton Street.

Also, as sad as the kid’s death was, you don’t name an engineering building after an unaccomplished 19-year-old. That would be ludicrous.

They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Not ludicrous with today’s martyrdom mentality. Hell, why not name the university after the kid, he certainly had NO culpability in what happened - it was all the fault of the fraternity & the university.

 

[BW Lion]

So me one quote where he clearly admits his son has a role in his demise. That’s all I ask. Going around pointing out the evils of everyone else is not accepting responsibility.

it wasn’t the alcohol or the falling down the stairs that necessarily killed the lad, it was him stupidly getting hit with a hard rubber puck playing another stupid drinking game a few days prior. A puck hit his spleen and then …the rest is history.

PSU Inc is actually somewhat celebrating his demise…they can soon own the Beta House.

There are only 2-3 other on-campus houses that undoubtedly have similar contractual language.

 

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

Here is a much better article on the ruling and Abbey's pursuit.

Judge Rules Penn State Has Right to Purchase Beta Theta Pi House

A Centre County judge on Tuesday ruled that a nearly century-old deed provision gives Penn State the right to acquire the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house

www.statecollege.com

 

[Michnit]

Do you have kids? Look at one of them and think about how you would feel. It’s easy to be judgementel from the outside. You must be perfect. You don’t know his dad or the family. Slam a father who
lost his son. Big of you on the internet.

I am a father & can’t know what it’s like to lose a son. That said, my son made a mistake or two over the years & I didn’t blame every other party involved, but owned up & admitted his part publicly. I don’t know how hard that would be, & naming a wing of the engineering building after his son, who WAS culpable as well, is obsurd & very self centered in my humble opinion.

This is all VERY sad, but I ain’t impressed with the self centered requests of the dad, & by extension the wife that apparently supports these requests.

 

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

PA appeals court affirms that Penn State can purchase former Beta Theta Pi frat house

Might be behind a paywall for some. Sorry.

 

[WestSideLion]

The recent lesson: (beyond the tragic events that started all of this) well-worded contract language is important. I bet the Beta folks who wrote/signed that agreement in 1928 never imagined a scenario like this. They also failed to see the potential conflict of interest present with the other signatory's power to revoke their charter and thereby force enact the provision.

 

[BW Lion]

PA appeals court affirms that Penn State can purchase former Beta Theta Pi frat house

Might be behind a paywall for some. Sorry.

Can't read. Any $$ amounts listed in the article?

 

[NittPicker]

The recent lesson: (beyond the tragic events that started all of this) well-worded contract language is important. I bet the Beta folks who wrote/signed that agreement in 1928 never imagined a scenario like this. They also failed to see the potential conflict of interest present with the other signatory's power to revoke their charter and thereby force enact the provision.

100 years ago that was the fringe of campus so nobody foresaw a problem. Just students living in a house when local housing back then likely sucked. Now it’s prime campus real estate. No doubt the university would also like to regain control of the three remaining on-campus frats.

 

[WestSideLion]

100 years ago that was the fringe of campus so nobody foresaw a problem. Just students living in a house when local housing back then likely sucked. Now it’s prime campus real estate. No doubt the university would also like to regain control of the three remaining on-campus frats.

I’m curious on whether the other 3 on-campus houses have the same shifty contract language or whether they were shrewder.

Penn State could just decide (if they haven’t already) to watch until the inevitable slip-up (not a comment on the Piazza tragedy) and revoke their charter, etc.

The University also wasn’t a business 100 years ago. And the conflict of interest has never been addressed.

 

[BobPSU92]

PA appeals court affirms that Penn State can purchase former Beta Theta Pi frat house

Might be behind a paywall for some. Sorry.

Coming Soon: The Neeli Bendapudi Grand Cathedral of DEIB. (and such).

 

[LBUfanatic]

Hope they keep it intact. Really nice building. Hope the Nittany Lion Inn will be sold to a chain sometime next year. A chance to make that a really great property.

You mean selling to a chain versus the current land lease they have with Scholar Hotel Group for renovation and operation of both the Nittany Lion Inn and Penn Stater?

 

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

Here's an article not behind a paywall.

Pa. Superior Court Rules Penn State Has Right to Purchase Beta Theta Pi Property

A state appeals court on Wednesday upheld a trial judge's ruling that Penn State has the right to acquire the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house property

www.statecollege.com

 

[LealandLoyal]

delete

 

[SleepyLion]

100 years ago that was the fringe of campus so nobody foresaw a problem. Just students living in a house when local housing back then likely sucked. Now it’s prime campus real estate. No doubt the university would also like to regain control of the three remaining on-campus frats.

While it might technically have been the fringe of campus (the Western front). The houses were some of the closest buildings to Old Main, the Mining building, Engineering building, Amory, Carnegie Library, and Schwab Auditorium. Watts Hall was one of the few dorms on campus and was a similar distance to all of these buildings.

Interesting for me to look at this and see how much the University has expanded.

I would think the fraternities knew they had some prime real estate even back then.

1929 University Park Fire Map