UW-Madison Music Hall HSR
Madison, WI
Completion
2023
Type
Campus, Historic
River Architects served as the historic preservation architect for the UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs pre-design study for the rehabilitation of Music Hall, one of the UW–Madison’s most recognizable historic buildings. Built between 1878 and 1880 as the Assembly Hall and Library, Music Hall was designed in the High Victorian Gothic style and has played an important role in campus life for more than 145 years. As a contributing building within the Bascom Hill Historic District, preserving its historic character was a central focus throughout the planning process.
The University, along with the State of Wisconsin are planning to initiate a major preservation and renovation project to provide state-of-the-art teaching, learning, and gathering spaces within the historic context of Music Hall.
The historic structure report was developed as a means of documenting the building’s history, evaluating its existing conditions, and providing general recommendations for its preservation and long-term care. It is based on extensive archival research, field investigations, and a detailed assessment of the building’s character-defining features, serving as the foundation for future restoration and rehabilitation efforts.
The result is a thoughtful balance between preservation and renewal—protecting the history and architectural character of Music Hall while giving the building a new chapter as a vibrant academic and community destination.
