Area 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) NRHP Reference # 78000646 Added to NRHP November 20, 1978 Architectural style American Craftsman | Built 1909 BERKL # 4 Opened 1909 Phone +1 510-845-4187 | |
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Address 2307 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA Hours Closed now Thursday9AM–6PMFriday(Cesar Chavez Day)9AM–6PMHours might differSaturday9AM–6PMSunday12–6PMMonday9AM–6PMTuesday9AM–6PMWednesday9AM–6PMSuggest an edit Similar Robert R Blacker House, Gamble House, Scientist First Church of, Claremont Canyon Regional, Berkeley City Club | ||
The William R. Thorsen House, often referred to as the Thorsen House, was built in 1909 in Berkeley, California for William Randolph Thorsen (1860- 1942) and his wife Caroline Canfield Thorsen (1858-1942). Designed by Henry and Charles Greene, of the renowned Pasadena firm of Greene & Greene, in the American Craftsman style of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The house is considered as the last of four Greene & Greene designed ultimate bungalows and is the only one located in Northern California.
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History
William Thorsen was a lumber baron from Michigan who retired to California and purchased a lot in Berkeley, California. His wife, Caroline, was the younger sister of Nellie Canfield Blacker, owner of the Robert R. Blacker House in Pasadena, California. The entry hall is paneled in Burmese teak while the living and dining rooms are paneled in Honduras Mahogany with ebony pegs covering the screws. The fireplace in the living room is surrounded with mauve Grueby tiles. The front door contains leaded art glass in the pattern of a gnarled grape vine, executed by Emil Lange, who also worked with the Greenes on the Gamble House. The Greenes were originally commissioned to make furniture for the dining room, but they were later called back to make additional pieces.
Restoration and tours
The Thorson estate was sold to the California chapter of Sigma Phi Society for $29,000 in 1942. Sigma Phi Society is currently raising funds for an extensive $10 million restoration and seismic upgrade. The active members of the Sigma Phi Society are students at U.C. Berkeley and are primarily responsible for upkeep of the house under the guidance of architectural experts. Students living in the house have produced some replica furniture in the dining hall. Several contractors are working with the society to restore the house to its original state. The Thorsen House can be toured throughout the week on an informal basis. Visitors should contact the Thorsen House via its webpage or simply knock on the door.