As Broadway became an important transportation route in the late nineteenth century, Edward Porter decided to sell his farmland for development. Development was initially very slow and by the time of Porter¿s death in 1895, most of the lots remained empty. Sales increased around 1910, as Waukesha¿s economy shifted from seasonal tourism to industrial manufacturing. The rise of the automobile created greater mobility allowing Waukesha¿s elite to build houses further from the city center. The large lots and non-grid plan of the East Broadway Historic District appealed to their desire to feel close to nature, and to escape the factories or other industrial concerns that they superintended during the day. Furthermore, many of the areas within walking distance of the city were filled with modest homes of factory laborers. The increase in population, the bulk of which did not have cars, meant a significant increase in the population density of the downtown area, which increased the appeal of suburban areas such as Porter¿s Farm.

The new subdivison incorporated Porter¿s 1870 farmhouse, although most of the houses in the district are Period Revival or bungalow homes. These houses reflect the growing national popularity of Tudor Revival, Dutch Colonial Revival, and Arts and Crafts designs. The district also includes Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial homes, both of which are rare in Wisconsin. The district consists of thirty-two single-family dwellings and associated outbuildings.

The houses in the district are private residences. Please respect the privacy and rights of the owners.