Soon after moving in, KA realized additional space would be needed to meet the needs of our growing organization. Over the next few years, adjoining properties were purchased and plans for their use were made. In the spring of 2003, KA learned that some of its properties including the former First National Bank building, a portion of lawyer’s row, the Tune house and a parking lot, may be condemned by Rockbridge County. Condemned you ask? Why? Well, it is a complicated issue that continues to unfold as this Journal is being published. While much is still unclear, we feel it is important to inform our undergraduates, alumni and supporters about the issue.
Rockbridge County, of which Lexington is the county seat, is under a court order, stemming from a lawsuit by Circuit Court Judge George E. Honts III on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to expand the space used for its courts and to improve the safety and security of the courts. The current courthouse, adjacent to KA’s headquarters is not large enough to meet the needs of the courts.
In the fall of 2002, a county referendum to build a new, larger building and move the courts a couple blocks away failed. Under Virginia law, there can not be another referendum to move the courts to a different location for ten years. Also, Judge Honts has insisted that all court facilities should be housed together and not scattered across town. This leaves the county with few options but to expand the current courthouse. Several county and city meetings have been held on the subject this spring. Unfortunately, while several proposals have been crafted using various configurations with other area properties, the property owned by Kappa Alpha appears to be the best suited for the county’s needs.
“We have serious concerns about losing our property,” said Executive Director Larry Wiese. “If we are left with only the jail building (current office), we will be trapped without any parking or the much needed space for growth.”
There are major concerns over the impact to KA’s day-to-day operations if a large, long-term construction project surrounds the office only feet away. Also, courthouse plans may include major underground components which could endanger the structural integrity of the current office.
The KAOEF has established a building exploratory committee to consider alternate properties in Lexington. The committee includes Bill Dreyer, KAOEF trustee, Jim Turner, a Savannah architect, and Jim Estes, KAOEF vice president and former Knight Commander.
“If we must move,” said Wiese. “We will fight for the value of our home.”
“Regardless of how this issue plays out, KA and the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation are committed to our membership and our donors,” said Wiese. “We proudly recognize and honor those who made the ownership of a national headquarters a reality. We will continue to honor them, whether it is at the current location or elsewhere.”
“If we lose our property, we hope that a suitable alternative can be found in Ôour birthplace’ of Lexington,” said Wiese. 
