University Heights Historic District, historic district in Madison, Wisconsin
University Heights Historic District is a residential area on Madison's west side, Wisconsin, with about one hundred properties built between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. The buildings display various architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Prairie style, and Craftsman homes, arranged on a hill with curved streets.
The area was originally forest and farmland, sold for development in 1893. The first house, known as Buell's Folly, was built in 1894, and the neighborhood grew rapidly with homes for university professors and professionals before being annexed into Madison in 1903.
The name University Heights reflects its proximity to the University of Wisconsin and was intended to attract professional families. The curved streets and spacious lots create a quiet, refined residential setting that visitors notice immediately when walking through the neighborhood.
The neighborhood is fully walkable, with curved streets that are easy to navigate and offer views of the city and university. Plan to explore on foot and allow time to admire the varied architectural styles and house details visible from the street.
The first house built here in 1894 was called Buell's Folly because people thought living on a remote hill was foolish. Early residents recall windmills pumping water from artesian wells and children sledding down hills in winter.
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