Tenney-Lapham in Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Breese Stevens Field

Claude and Starck, Architects

— 1925; 1934 —

Breese Stevens Field Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 23, 2012

1. Breese Stevens Field Marker

Inscription. Breese Stevens Field, named for the former Madison mayor whose family donated the land, is significant as the city's premier athletic facility from 1926 through the 1960s. The grandstand, designed by prominent Madison architects Claude and Starck in the Mediterranean Revival style, was constructed of brick, terra cotta and clay tile with bleacher seating of reinforced concrete. The stands accommodated close to 4,000 baseball fans on opening day. The sandstone wall surrounding the field, built in 1934, is significant as a Great Depression era Civil Works Administration project.

Designated October 16, 1995

Erected 2012 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 132.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 16, 1905.

Location. 43° 4.96′ N, 89° 22.403′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is in Tenney-Lapham. Marker is at the intersection of East Washington Avenue and North Paterson Street, on the right when traveling west on East Washington Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Breese Stevens Field (here, next to this marker); City Market (approx. ¼ mile away); Biederstaedt – Breitenbach Grocery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Badger State Shoe Factory (approx. 0.3 miles away); Thomas / Hill Grocery and Residence (approx. 0.3 miles away); Here was Madison’s first African-American neighborhood (approx. 0.3 miles away); Madison Gas & Electric Company Powerhouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Leitch House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Breese Stevens Field. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "This athletic facility was built on a block sold to the City of Madison in 1923 by the widow of former Madison Mayor Breese J. Stevens. The City hired local architects Claude and Starck to design a stadium for the new field in 1925. The stone walls were constructed in 1934 by the federal Civil Works Administration, the same year lighting towers were erected. During its early years the field was used for most outdoor high school athletic events and for minor league baseball. In 1982 a rehabilitation project converted it to a soccer facility."

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of markers for structures designed

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 23, 2012

2. Breese Stevens Field Marker

The marker is to the left of the gate in the background. To the left of the marker is the street side of the grandstand showing the terra cotta mentioned in the marker.

by Claude & Starck, and for the Stevens house.

Breese Stevens Field image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 4, 2010

3. Breese Stevens Field

The field and stands.

Detail on Breese Stevens Field Wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 4, 2010

4. Detail on Breese Stevens Field Wall

The mark of the Civil Works Administration on the southeast wall.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 509 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on July 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.