Step Inside This Brand-New Sorority House at the University of Florida

By Jenna Sims
January 31, 2020
Credit: Courtesy of J. Banks Design
In June of 2018, the Delta Gamma sorority at the University of Florida demolished their original home at 808 W. Panhellenic Drive to make way for a larger residence that would accommodate past, present, and future sisters. The interior of the new three-story, 25,000-square-foot sorority house was designed from top to bottom by J. Banks Design of Hilton Head, South Carolina. The team designed the space to be sophisticated as well as functional for the current members and the active alumnae group, while also embodying the spirit and legacy of the sorority. 
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Fresh Start

Credit: Courtesy of J. Banks Design

In fall of 2019, the sisters of Delta Gamma started off the school year in their new home, affectionately known as 808. The house has 36 sleeping rooms, a central gathering room, and a large multipurpose dining room with seating for 200. 

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Grand Entrance

Credit: Courtesy of J. Banks Design

From the inlaid mosaic of an anchor, which is a long-standing symbol of the sorority, to the Greek letters at the top of the stairs, it was important to the design committee to create a sense of place and legacy. 

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Inspired Color Palette

Credit: Courtesy of J. Banks Design

The sorority’s signature colors of pink and blue were incorporated into the house with shades of blush and navy throughout. Additional elements like the sorority monogram on the wallpaper in the gathering room and 'Gators' spelled out on the rug help embody the spirit of the chapter. 

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Double Duty Dining Room

Credit: Courtesy of J. Banks Design

The sorority needed the space to function as both a dining room and a chapter room for weekly meetings. The furniture was selected to be easily moveable so the space could be transformed for a variety of uses. The tables have either a flip-top or folding mechanism for storage, and the chairs can be stacked for easy storage. 

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Comfort of Home

Credit: Courtesy of J. Banks Design

Contrasting from the more formal areas, casual spaces like the Anchor Room serve as a place for sisters to gather, study, eat, and make themselves at home. 

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Welcoming Space

Credit: Courtesy of J. Banks Design

The alumnae library was designed with a more traditional theme to make alumnae of all ages feel at home. The project would not have been possible without the fundraising efforts of an active alumnae group as well as an involved interior design committee. 

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Functional Sleeping Areas

Credit: Courtesy of J. Banks Design

The new home has 36 sleeping rooms for residents, each with raised beds to make the most of the space underneath. The nightstands contain outlets for charging phones and laptops.

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