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

University of Wisconsin Field House

Arthur Peabody, Architect

— 1929-1930 —

University of Wisconsin Field House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William J. Toman, May 31, 2012

1. University of Wisconsin Field House Marker

Inscription. The Field House is an exceptional example of the Renaissance Revival style, executed in locally quarried sandstone. The primary facade has monumentally scaled door and window openings with steel sash, and a pedimented gable featuring a cartouche with a terra cotta "W". Its use as a sporting arena for the University of Wisconsin and various Wisconsin high schools, and as a venue for community cultural events such as band and symphony orchestra performances, academic graduation ceremonies, and public gatherings, contributes to its significance in the social history of the community.

Designated May 19, 2009

Erected 2012 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 178.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Entertainment • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 19, 1962.

Location. 43° 4.105′ N, 89° 24.741′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is at the intersection of Monroe Street and Regent Street, on the right when traveling south on Monroe Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1450 Monroe Street, Madison WI 53711, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pat Richter (within shouting distance of this marker); Barry Alvarez (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Randall Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camp Randall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Terrace Homes Apartments (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lincoln in Wisconsin (approx. ¼ mile away); Fire Station #4 (approx. ¼ mile away); Edward Klief Park (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding University of Wisconsin Field House. The University of Wisconsin Field House, designed by architect Arthur Peabody (with staff William F. Stevens and John Knudsen) and built in 1929-1930, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "The University Field House was expertly designed in the Renaissance Revival style by the Staff of the State Architect’s office and was intended to provide both physical training facilities for the UW student body as well as a place where sporting events could take place. Its design is an excellent example of the numerous Renaissance Revival style buildings that Peabody developed for the UW Campus. The Field House is one of the last buildings in Madison to be faced with Madison sandstone. As the local quarries were almost depleted by the time

Photographed by William J. Toman, May 31, 2012

2. University of Wisconsin Field House Marker

The marker is to the left of Gate B, with the National Register of Historic Places marker on the right. In this photo you can also see the rubble sandstone and decorative accents of dressed stone mentioned by the Madison Landmarks Commission.

the Field House was built, Peabody was forced to use rubble stone rather than dressed stone. However, the end result was very handsome and contrasted beautifully with the decorative accents of dressed stone.

"The Field House was designed to replace the UW Stock Pavilion as the principle center for the UW’s large scale cultural events. Bands, orchestras, graduations and popular entertainers have all taken place within the Field House. The University Basketball team, playing their games in the Armory and gymnasium since 1892, was quickly outgrowing the space and discussions about building a new field house became a priority for Athletic Director George Little. Following the success of the football team and the growing popularity of events in Camp Randall Stadium, the UW Regents decided to build the new Field House adjacent to Camp Randall. As both a University and community gathering place and as a symbol of the University athletics, the Field House has historically played an important part in the life of both the University and the City of Madison."

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of markers for Madison sandstone buildings.