Architect A.J. Gibson
The SAE Fraternity Home was architected in the late 1800’s by famed Montana architect, Albert J. (AJ) Gibson, and was constructed between 1899 – 1902. When it was completed, there were no other structures around it including all the way to the UM campus.
A.J. Gibson architected many beautiful homes in the University District of Missoula, as well as many notable commercial structures including the UM Main Hall and Clock Tower, The Missoula County Courthouse, UM Geology building, Math and Physics building, Forestry building, and the Gymnasium, Wilma Theater, and more! Our house was actually featured for many years on the cover of his business brochure highlighting his detailed Queen Anne designs.
True Craftsmanship
The inside and outside were constructed by true craftsmen and features beautiful wood treatments throughout, curved window bays, and a beautiful center stairway curving all the way up to the third floor.
You can see in the picture right that our house was built prior to the city planting the beautiful trees down University Avenue and throughout the University District. The picture was taken from a convertible Ford Model T (look at the shadow of the vehicle at the bottom), after they had just planted the 6’ tall Maple Trees.
The SAE house sits within Greek Row on beautiful and historic University Avenue.
SAE purchased the property from a private owner (William “Billy” Russell) to become the chapter home in 1930, and the fraternity moved in sometime in 1931. We take great pride in this property, and strive to ensure we maintain it with the love and care of the original owners.
The four block walk to campus is absolutely awesome in every season of the year and The Homecoming Parade goes right by our house on University Avenue! With over 7,000 sqft, 16 bedrooms, industrial kitchen amenities, large dining hall, meeting room, living rooms, TV room, laundry and 4 bathrooms, it is uniquely suited for our fraternity and to create memories of a lifetime!
We do not refer to our home as a “frat house”. Our members live-in a “fraternity home” that provides a clean and safe environment that they take great pride in.