Early Land Use
Even before the first permanent homes were built in the Regent Neighborhood area, the rolling hills provided pleasure, inspiration, and sustenance for the inhabitants of Wisconsin. In the late 1800's the area was a favorite hiking and picnicking ground for city dwellers. During the Civil War, soldiers from Camp Randall cut timber on the hills. For centuries before statehood, the native Americans prized this region for its broad vistas of lakes and surrounding hills. Their effigy burial mounds now co-exist with marble headstones in the forest Hill Cemetery.

Areas within the Neighborhood
The locality we know as the Regent Neighborhood is composed of three distinct areas that developed as the city spread westward in the early 20th century.

University Heights was platted in 1893 and extends from Breese Terrace to Allen Street and from University Ave south to Regent Street. Located close to the University, the area's curving streets and hilltop views attracted the families of professors and business people. Some of Madison's most architecturally significant Queen Anne, Prairie Style and period revival houses still grace the district.

The area south of Regent Street and extending south to the new Capitol City Bike Path and extends from the Camp Randall Stadium to the Forest Hill Cemetery was part of the Wingra Park Addition, platted in 1897. Development began when the streetcar line was extended from Camp Randall to the cemetery. The neighborhood's hilly terrain resulted in meandering streets and created special challenges to homebuilders. As a result, there are irregular shaped lots, in-ground garages, steep front steps and nearly vertical backyards.

The area from Allen Street stretching west between Regent St. and University Ave. developed sporadically during the first three decades of the century with the last wave of construction coinciding with the opening of West High around 1930. The neighborhood is characterized by comfortable family homes with wide front porches, quiet tree-lined streets, and a country-like atmosphere. >>