Restoration
Since 1942, the Sigma Phi Society of California has owned the Thorsen House and has been entrusted with its care and preservation. For generations, the brothers have made historically-sensitive improvements to the house. Saturday mornings in their entirety are devoted to cleaning and restoration projects. A short list of our accomplishments includes:
- Restoration of the timber bridge between the house and garage
- Reproduction of the perimeter fence and timber gate in the backyard
- Restoring the timber balcony of the guest room
- Installing structural shoring for the lower sun deck
- Installing new wood flooring
- Installing new shingles on the southern facade
- Restoring original finishes to the wood paneling
- Painting window exteriors to the original color
For the last 40 years, we have been grateful for the support of numerous architects, architectural historians, interior designers, artists, and Arts & Crafts enthusiasts. Restoring the Thorsen House has always been a collaboration between the Society and the experts among the community. The end result is a priceless architectural and artistic treasure in Berkeley.
We welcome you to join us in our restoration efforts, and become a part of the history of the Thorsen House. Currently, we are raising funds for several necessary projects, some of which include:
- An urgent seismic retrofit
- Preserving and restoring portions of the Belgian linen on the ceiling
- Repairs to copper decks on second and third floors
- Restoration of the doors to the sunroom at south end of second floor
- Replacement of severely weathered shingles on west facade
To donate directly online, please click here.