Comments on: One “Perk” of a Student City: The Opportunity to Buy a Frat House

By: Frederickrc9

Frederickrc9 — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:53:25 +0000

Afternoon: The Thorsen house was mentioned in a blog that I am a member of. The blog focuses on the Arts Crafts movement so it was appropriate. A member had noted that the foundation was sinking and that there was consideable rot on the back side of the structure. I see from the images provided that "cosmetic" details have been taken care of but how about the bones of the house? Foundation? Structurally? Chimney's? Will the presenet custodians be able to afford those necessary by very, very expensive needs?

Would hate to see a true gem lost.

Thank you for sharing information on a true treasure.

Rick

By: Courtney

Courtney — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:38:17 +0000

I really would like the phone number for the house at 2901 channing for sale. Please if someone can get that for me. I cannot find any info online other than blogs. I was at a game this weekend but didnt get a chance to write it down. Please email me with the phone number listed on the sign in front of the house if you are near and can grab that for me! Thanks!
Courtney courtney.caron@sbcglobal.net

By: tracey.taylor

tracey.taylor — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:36:05 +0000

Jeff: You are very kind. Thank you for the insight and offer of the tour to Sweet Digs readers.

I was so intrigued by your home that I visited it recently and am preparing to write a newspaper article about it.

It’s a gorgeous house and the residents do a fine job taking care of it.

I encourage anyone to take up Jeff’s offer. The students really will let you have a look around if you knock on the door and ask politely!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:32:52 +0000

I am a student currently living in the Thorsen House. We do not call ourselves a fraternity, per se. We are the Sigma Phi Society. We removed ourselves from the on campus greek system (IFC) some years ago. We do not want to be associated with all the aspects of their lifestyles (ie: parties every weekend). We work very hard to keep the house in greak shape. Every Saturday morning, the brothers get up and work on either routine cleaning tasks or restoration/upkeep projects. Every single one of us has a great respect for this house. Any time there is a party, we shove guests into the concrete covered basement or backyard. We do not take risks with our beautiful home. If you would like to see for yourselves, you are welcome to stop by and take a tour with one of the brothers.

By: tracey.taylor

tracey.taylor — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:42:28 +0000

UCB Alum: My understanding is that the renovations of the house were initiated as far back as the mid-1970s by the then president of the California Sigma Phi Alumni Association, Jerry Barclay, who lived in the Thorsen house for four years while studying architecture at UC. I’m not sure but I think it’s still a fraternity house but possibly only occupied by architecture students.

By: UCB Alum

UCB Alum — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:22:11 +0000

It is my understanding that the house is not actually a “frat” but a collection of architectural students who live in the house bound together by their mutual admiration for the structure. The statements by “anon.anon” are ones I have repeatedly heard by those who have lived there. They view themselves as respectful custodians of a Berkeley treasure.

By: tracey.taylor

tracey.taylor — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:47:35 +0000

Anon.anon: I am delighted to hear that! Thank you so much for alerting us to that fascinating story. It goes to show I should refrain from making stereotypical judgments about students. Thank you.

By: anon.anon

anon.anon — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:35:52 +0000

Actually, the particular frat that lives in the Thorsen house is extremely concerned with the architectural details and preserving the legacy of great design. They take an amazing amount of pride in their house and its history, and have raised tons and tons of money for its restoration and future preservation. As I write this, they have just completed a full refinishing of all of the floors in the house (quite a feat, its beyond huge) have managed to bring the house up to fire code while maintaining all of the original paneling. They take it very seriously… I know it sounds bad to have a frat in the Thorsen house, but seriously, you wouldn’t believe how much care, time, and money they put into it…
I don’t live there, by the way, just for the record! I’ve been through the house on multiple occasions though…

By: tracey.taylor

tracey.taylor — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:08:14 +0000

Jackie: I wonder. I wonder whether those frat students are all that concerned with architectural details and preserving the legacy of great design. Will they remember the place or the parties?

By: Jackie Aldridge

Jackie Aldridge — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:03:00 +0000

The brothers would probably feel good about it. Living in a fabulous frat house is a movable feast, to be remembered the rest of one’s life. What better use for great houses.