UND is considering selling land used as a parking lot at University Avenue to Greek organizations.
UND spokesman Peter Johnson the organizations could buy the land to build new houses.
Johnson said the houses would likely be built across the street from the current Greek Row on University Avenue. A large parking lot currently sits in the location, which is just east of Columbia Road and across the street from the High Performance Center and the parking garage.
UND President Mark Kennedy said Greek chapters have already expressed interest in the land, but whether that interest could turn into a financial commitment is still being discussed. Current Greek organizations that are located around campus could be moved to University Avenue.
Johnson said the addition of more Greek houses would also align with the university's Coulee to Columbia plan, which includes major renovation projects along the stretch of University Avenue between the English Coulee and Columbia Road. The project also seeks to create new developments in the vacant lots around campus.
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"It would be very nice to have that whole University Avenue lined with a true Greek Row," Johnson said. "We like that opportunity, that idea."
Road construction is being considered along University Avenue for this summer. The project would not only reconstruct the road, but would also seek to make it more pedestrian-friendly and navigable.
Sen. Scott Meyer, R-Grand Forks, has introduced a bill that would give legislative authorization to the university for the sale. However, the sale may not require a vote from the Legislature.
Meyer said he is working the university, the State Board of Higher Education and North Dakota Guaranty and Title to determine if legislative approval is required for the sale.
Meyer said he has asked the chair of the Senate Education committee to hold off on a decision on the bill while an opinion is reached. That opinion could come within the next few days or weeks.
