Formed "out of a practical need for warm lunches at reasonable prices and a need for companionship in an early-day community which lacked the cultural, social, and residential amenities to satisfy the needs of a new faculty" and "to promote mutual acquaintance and fellowship among officers of instruction and government of the University," The Faculty Club was one of the earliest buildings on campus and the much-needed grand successor to the University Dining Association cottage which served faculty during the 1890s. Originally designed by legendary Berkeleyan architect Bernard Maybeck, The Faculty Club was once just a one-room clubhouse.
Yet even before the dedication of the new club in September 1902, Maybeck had already laid plans for a western addition to the structure. As John Gilbert Paltridge noted in A History of The Faculty Club at Berkeley, the Club "is a dozen or more separate buildings constructed over a span of nearly one hundred years and simply nailed one to the other" and yet the cohesion and elegance of what is today a much larger structure belies the Faculty Club's "unnatural development." Credit here belongs to John Galen Howard, who oversaw design and construction of the north and east wings, as well as the Howard Room and sections to the south. Howard, whose bust hangs in the room bearing his name at the Faculty Club, was the supervising architect of the original Master Plan of the University of California campus and oversaw construction of the UC Berkeley campus in its most visually formative years.
Thus began the nontraditional evolution of a historic Berkeley landmark. Incorporated in 1902 as a private, mutual benefit corporation, The Faculty Club's member history is closely intertwined with the University's. The Club's illustrious membership roster contains professors renowned in their fields, several Nobel Laureates, past and present Chancellors, and quite a few of the people for whom buildings on campus are named. Today, The Faculty Club is considered an architectural snapshot of the Arts and Crafts movement, and it is listed internationally as one of the finest examples of American Craftsman design. The carved beams, fireplaces, and stained-glass windows all reflect Maybeck's awareness of a special Northern California aesthetic. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the spring of 1982.
At the turn of the century, a centennial refurbishment refreshed the interior (including 23 hotel rooms), upgraded the kitchens, and helped repair the wear and tear of constant use — all with the aim of preserving this Craftsman jewel for another century of life. Through a combination of generous member donations and a significant University loan, the Club was able to repair and remodel the aged restrooms on the main floor, upgrading them to provide disabled access and green efficiencies. New pathways also help visitors with disabilities access the entire first floor.
No longer the all-male professorial dining, smoking, and billiards club of its early years, the Club’s expanded membership includes faculty members, University staff, alumni, and associate members from all areas of the community. They gather to enjoy wine tastings, art shows, engaging lectures, tailgates, Oktoberfest parties, tastings in the Faculty Glade, themed dining evenings like the annual Indian dinner, concerts, and the fun of musical evenings with jazz groups or a country and western singer. These days, you are also likely to find academic conferences with scholars from around the globe, banquet luncheons with industry leaders, welcome events and retirement parties for beloved faculty, golden anniversary celebrations, young alumni getting married, and everything in between. While the Faculty Club is a members' club with exclusive events, discounts, and privileges, we welcome all visitors who wish to dine with us, enjoy our bar, or simply take a look at our historic facility.
Further Reading
- "Faculty Club reaches century mark," Fernando Quintero for the Berkeleyan
- "Unusual Art Collection Awaits at Faculty Club," Steven Finacom for The Berkeley Daily Planet
- "Wiretaps and martinis: A tour of J. Robert Oppenheimer's Berkeley," Joanne Furio for Berkeleyside
- "An evening at The Faculty Club," Kai Ridenoure for Daily Cal
- "Ken Cardwell recalls Bernard Maybeck," Daniella Thompson for Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association
- The Faculty Club, University of California at Berkeley, Bernard Maybeck by James Steele; ISBN 1854904337, 9781854904331
- "Berkeley on a Budget," Lucas Peterson for The New York Times
- A History of The Faculty Club at Berkeley, John Gilbert Paltridge; copies available at TFC Front Desk
- UC Monks