AWA HOUSING HISTORY

Our first house was located at 308 North Prospect and organized by Kathy Waite Braun in 1975. Twelve members lived there the first two years and it was rented through 1978.

In April of 1978, Daphne (Johnson) Holterman and Eloise (Wettach) Saeman made contracts with a University Avenue area landlord to rent properties at 1935 University Avenue and 412 Paunack Place for 11 AWA members. Rent was divided and one meal a day was eaten together.

AWA members lived around the area for the next five years at the following addresses: 2005, 2009, 2014 and 1837 University Avenue. Several of these houses acquired nicknames like the “Green Goddess” and the “Blue Lagoon”.

During the summer of 1979, area realtors were contacted to discuss AWA permanent housing. Dave Stark of Stark Realty got together with AWA and CALS to work out a financial plan. Possible houses were located at 150 Langdon Street and Arlington Place. However, there were problems with both these sites. Arlington Place was a residential area and wasn’t zoned for our needs. Neighborhood associations were reluctant to allow college organizations in its area.

Property at 1900 University Avenue was considered, but it was decided that the investment was too great. The houses at 1909 and 1915 were found in 1983. They became known as the blue and white houses.

The white and blue houses were homes to AWA members for 10 years, until the completion of the new house in 1994. In the fall of 1994, the new house had its first 26 residents.

AWA has gone through many channels to gain support for our housing. In 1980, Delma Woodburn became an active AWA supporter, along with WALSAA.

Many people have volunteered their time to AWA. Volunteers include: Rick Daluge, Phil Harris, Larry Satter, Albert Krummins, Rodger Palmer, as well as many students and alumni.

Deb Boyke aided in the sale of the white house, with the help of Ellery Jensen. Sharon Brantmeier headed the new house building committee, while Jodi Saevre headed fundraising.

The new house building and building design were completed through the Renchler Company and Design Coalition. Rural Insurance financed the new house mortgage.

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