University Hill Farms

Why is University Hill Farms considered an historic district?

A popular neighborhood for Madisonians, The University Hill Farms Historic District is one of the first planned communities in the city. It is located on almost a 620-acre parcel that belonged to the University of Wisconsin since the 1890s and which had been used as an experimental farm by the University’s College of Agriculture.

By 1953, this farm was being surrounded by the fast-growing city and was blocking the city’s westward expansion. As a result, the University decided to develop the farm as a self-contained planned community.
The University Hill Farms community is bounded by Sheboygan Ave., Mineral Point Rd., Midvale Blvd. and Whitney Way.

The curved, tree-lined streets are dotted with ranch style, mid-century modern and raised-ranch style homes.
Van Hise Elementary school and Velma Hamilton Middle School, which occupy the same campus, make this a sought after area. The communities close proximity to the University Ave. shopping corridor, Hilldale Mall and the Hilldale Postal Office are additional reasons the neighborhood is well-liked.

Tell me your favorite Madison neighborhood!