University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin Interview, September 2009 (PDF) .1MB

University of Wisconsin Cultural Landscape Inventory - Observatory Hill (PDF) 6.5 MB

University of Wisconsin Cultural Landscape Inventory - Henry Mall (PDF) 11.7 MB

University of Wisconsin Cultural Landscape Inventory - Bascom Mall (PDF) 8.8 MB

University of Wisconsin Cultural Landscape Inventory - John Muir Park (PDF) 5.3 MB

University of Wisconsin Cultural Landscape Inventory - Library Mall (PDF) 6.6 MB

University of Wisconsin Archaeological Report (PDF) 11.4 MB

The 900 acres of the University of Wisconsin—Madison campus include some 250 acres of natural areas. Scattered across the campus are ancient earthworks built by Native American societies, a wetland restoration area, botanical gardens, and the John Muir Park, named for the former University of Wisconsin— Madison student. These historic landscapes play an important role in the university's history and its sense of place. Funding will allow the university to prepare a cultural landscape master plan to guide the preservation of these important resources.

University of Wisconsin received a Getty grant in 2003 for $170,000 to support campus heritage planning.

Report Summary

Six stand alone reports on individual campus places collectively form the Cultural Landscape Report, University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Purpose

• Development of a Cultural Landscape Plan for five specific campus landscape areas.
• Landscape Plan is to progress concurrently with Campus Master Plan update in 2004.

Planning Process

• Archaeological Investigations 2004, investigated 100 acres of main campus located along the south shore of Lake Mendota recording historical stages of land development and ancient earthworks and mounds built by Native American societies.
• History, inventory, and condition of five campus area sites.
• Statements of significance and analysis of integrity based on U.S. standards and guidelines.

Outcome Plans

• Bascom Mall: Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This Mall, also known as College Hill, is located in the main historic campus area and contains multiple historic academic buildings. The land is now used as pedestrian corridors and contains grand lawns. Recommended treatment: rehabilitation.
• Observatory Hill: Northern border of this campus area is Lake Mendota. Historic significance by Native American’s use of this hill. Followed by farming, orchards, toboggan slides, and building of an observatory. Views from an overlook are protected. No planned development of this area. Recommended treatment: rehabilitation.
• Henry Mall: 8.5 acres campus plot. The Henry Mall is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This mall contains green open space flanked by major buildings on four sides all facing the mall. The space is anchored by the Agricultural Building. Influence of the City Beautiful movement. Recommended treatment: rehabilitation.
• John Muir Park: 7.7 acres of almost entirely wooded areas and includes an overlook. Area is dedicated as a natural botanical laboratory, and not to be disturbed by university development. Recommended treatment: rehabilitation.
• Library Mall: Influence of Frederick Law Olmstead and Columbian Exposition. Two major buildings, State Historical Society and Memorial Library face each other with the Library Mall in between. Other important campus buildings are nearby. This mall is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Mall was used as an athletic field and student gathering place. Currently the mall is a formal space and park like setting with a fountain at its center. Recommended treatment: rehabilitation.

Outcome Policies and Practices

• Design guidelines presented in the Campus Master Plan rely heavily on recommendations made as part of the Cultural Landscape project.
• The Cultural Landscape project has identified key cultural elements within the campus that must be protected in the future.