The physical location of the headquarters moved from time to time as more space was required. In 1920, the offices were located at 10 W. 23rd Street in New York City where they remained for 11 years, before being moved again in 1931 to 285 Madison Avenue. The Fraternity finally settled at 271 Madison Avenue in 1940.
The headquarters remained at 271 Madison in space on the 8th floor of that building until the relocation to temporary quarters in Indianapolis in 1969. The Fraternity had taken advantage of an opportunity to be a part of a Greek Headquarters "community" that was being built in Indianapolis. The move afforded the Fraternity many benefits, the main benefit being that the headquarters building would me more centrally located to its chapters. The Fraternity occupied the current headquarters building in December of 1970 upon the building's completion. On Saturday, April 17, 1971, the current Headquarters building was officially dedicated.
The DU Headquarters stands as a living memorial to Brother Lester E. Cox, Pennsylvania 1898. Brother Cox retained a life-long interest in Delta Upsilon and the activities of the Fraternity. When he died in 1938, he left a bequest in excess of $175,000 to the Fraternity, to be held for the benefit of his sister, Mrs. Alice Lynch, during her lifetime. When Mrs. Lynch died in 1964, shortly before her 93rd birthday, the bequest was turned over to the Fraternity to help build the headquarters building. The headquarters building went through various remodeling projects since the building's beginning here in Indianapolis in order to update the interior furnishings and design.
Recent Renovations
In February of 2001, the headquarters was moved to temporary office space nearby so that the building could undergo a complete renovation. The building was gutted entirely, leaving only the four outer walls intact. The building's interior was redesigned to better accommodate the staff, to help improve the operations of the Fraternity, and to provide more space for displaying the Fraternity's archival collection. On June 22, 2001, the Fraternity moved back to its headquarters building upon the completion of the renovation. The renovation provided the headquarters with more office space, more efficient field staff workspace, additional conference space, updated interior design and furnishings, and a new exterior look.
Headquarters Purpose
The headquarters building houses both the Fraternity offices, and the offices of the Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation. It is the center for all activities of the Fraternity and the Foundation, and serves its chapters and members in all areas of chapter services, alumni services, leadership development and programming, and educational support.
The staff of the Fraternity and the Foundation are loyal individuals who are dedicated to the betterment of the Delta Upsilon. They stand willing and ready to help with any questions or concerns. Members should be encouraged to use the IHQ as a resource and take advantage of the many things that IHQ can provide its members.
