Pi Beta Phi’s chapter facilities—whether full residential houses, lodges, or meeting spaces—are the backdrop for countless friendships, life lessons and defining sisterhood moments. The housing needs of our chapters are evolving, and Pi Phi is adapting to ensure that these spaces remain welcoming, sustainable, and aligned with the Fraternity experience today.
Of Pi Phi’s 134 chapters, 112 have a chapter facility. These facilities vary in structure and size, but they share one purpose: to bring sisters together. In the most recent Annual Member Evaluation (AME) 88% of respondents reported being members of a chapter with a Pi Phi facility, while 25% of those live in the facility. And, nearly 4 out of 5 indicated satisfaction with their Pi Phi housing experience. Those are strong numbers—but they also highlight that maintaining satisfaction takes work. Our members continue to value their facility experience, especially when it offers a strong sense of community and belonging.
However, the landscape is shifting. Operating a chapter facility has become more complex in recent years due to rising utility, insurance, and maintenance costs; smaller chapter sizes in some regions; changing campus policies and enrollment fluctuations; and, evolving student preferences and housing trends. These pressures can turn a facility from an asset into a liability almost overnight. Recognizing this, Pi Beta Phi is taking a flexible, data-informed approach to housing decisions.
In some cases, chapters are exploring innovative models to preserve the benefits of housing while adapting to new realities. Indiana Gamma at Butler University is facing a facility too large for its current membership. The chapter—supported by the Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC)—has entered into a shared housing agreement. Starting in Fall 2025, one wing of the Pi Phi house will remain for chapter use and the other wing will be leased to Beta Theta Pi. This partnership ensures the chapter can remain in its home without shouldering the full financial burden. It’s an unconventional solution, but one rooted in creativity, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
Other chapters are adopting non-residential housing models while maintaining a meeting space; leasing rooms to non-members to generate revenue; and, fundraising with alumnae to bridge the gap between operating costs and income. These models may look different, but they share a common goal: ensuring that facilities continue to support a positive member experience.
To highlight what living in a Pi Phi facility really means, the Fraternity is launching the Reel Pi Phi Housing Stories campaign in the Fall 2025. This video series will feature members sharing real, unscripted moments about what they love about living in, how their facility builds sisterhood and why their housing experience shaped their Pi Phi journey.
Pi Beta Phi is committed to ensuring our facilities serve our members—not the other way around. Through creative solutions, strategic investment, and transparent conversations, we’re working to ensure our spaces remain part of a meaningful, sustainable Fraternity experience for years to come.
See the remaining top 10 updates that were shared during Pi Beta Phi's 75th Biennial Convention.