tscott1633

I too lived in the house from 2002 until it was sold in 2003. Early in the post it was mentioned that the Civic Association forced the Fraternity out of Forrest Hill. While I'm sure there was pressure due to the use of the house, there were actually many factors that led to the group relocating to the UH Main Campus under their own will. I can attest that the last few groups of gentlemen that lived in the house did everything they possibly could to keep up the dilapidated house. Unfortunately 10 college-aged amateur contractors with limited resources could not win the battle over the old house. As for the long standing "history" of the house: The story I was always told is the President of the Union Pacific Railroad had it built in 1910 as a venue to entertain. I have no way of validating this theory, only that it was widely accepted among those that lived in the house when it served as our Fraternity's residence. Ian is spot on with his description of the interior of the house. The downstairs originally served as a open ballroom with industrial kitchen. It is still evident by the original wood floor inlays that lead right up to a demising wall and carry through to the other side. The most striking feature of the house was the 10ft wide Tiffany glass dome that separated the foyer from the attic. It was made up of 6-8 panels and unfortunately, several were stolen as the house sat vacant during the transition of ownership. I actually have quite a collection of pictures of the exterior and interior I would be glad to share. I'll be sure to post them soon. -Travis (not the frat guy in his underwear outside)