Property Record
550 BABCOCK DR
Architecture and History Inventory
Historic Name: | Steenbock Memorial Library; Agriculture & Life Sciences Lib |
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Other Name: | Steenbock Memorial Library (UW#0079) |
Contributing: | |
Reference Number: | 160648 |
Location (Address): | 550 BABCOCK DR |
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County: | Dane |
City: | Madison |
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Year Built: | 1968 |
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Additions: | |
Survey Date: | 20092022 |
Historic Use: | university or college building |
Architectural Style: | Brutalism |
Structural System: | |
Wall Material: | Brick |
Architect: | Weiler, Strang, McMullin, & Associates (Madison), Jerry Spencer (designer) |
Other Buildings On Site: | |
Demolished?: | No |
Demolished Date: |
National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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Additional Information: | Named for Harry Steenbock, UW biochemist, discovered of the irradiation process for the production of Vitamin D (cure for rickets). It displays sculptural form, and an inward-focused, fortress-like appearance with a below-grade terrace that echoes a moat. The structure (concrete frame) and the functions (three-story undergraduate library and fourth floor research library) are clearly expressed on the exterior. The red brick exterior finish helps Steenbock relate to the surrounding College of Agriculture buildings, also faced with red brick. On the interior, the two-story atrium in the library opens up the space. In 1969, Steenbock Memorial Library won the AIA Wisconsin Honor Award. Steenbock Memorial Library retains a high degree of integrity. |
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Bibliographic References: | University of Wisconsin-Madison: Update to the Preliminary Evaluation of Buildings and Structures for Eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places, June 13, 2023. University of Wisconsin-Madison: Preliminary Evaluation of Buildings and Structures for Eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. September 2009. University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison Tour Guide: Henry Mall and West Campus, 1988. A Celebration of Architecture: Wisconsin Society of Architects Tour of Significant Architecture, 1979. |
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |