Property Record
401 N CARROLL ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Daniel K. & Mary Jane Tenney Residence / Breese Stevens |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 37000 |
| Location (Address): | 401 N CARROLL ST |
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| County: | Dane |
| City: | Madison |
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| Year Built: | 1863 |
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| Additions: | 1877 |
| Survey Date: | 1991 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Mansion Hill Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 6/4/1997 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 2/11/1997 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Map code is 070914412071 Madison Historic Landmark: 3/6/1972. Submitted to NPS: 5/2/97. This multifaceted Italianate residence was built in 1864 for Madison lawyer Daniel K. Tenney. In 1871 Tenney sold the property to Breese J. Stevens who probably altered the house significantly during his ownership. There are several bay wondows to note along a meandering front porch. An early carriage house and latticed well cover may be found near the rear of the dwelling on the Gorham Street side. Breese Stevens was an important figure in Madison's development history and served as mayor in 1884, curator of the State Historical Society, and regent of the University. "This massive brick residence in the Italianate style was built in 1863 for Madison lawyer Daniel K. Tenney and his wife, Mary Jane, who sold the house to Breese J. and Emma Stevens in 1870. Tenney, who practiced law in Chicago from 1870 to 1897, gave a large sum for the establishment of Tenney Park. His opposition to industrialization and promotion of scenic beauty earned him the title "Madison's favorite curmudgeon." In 1877 after marrying his second wife, M. Elizabeth, Stevens renovated the house, adding the gracious veranda and decorative bay windows. An influential lawyer, Stevens specialized in railroad, land-grant, and water litigation. He was an important figure in Madison's development and served as mayor in 1884-85, curator of the State Historical Society, and regent of the university from 1891 to 1904. Amelia E. F. Stevens, a daughter, lived here until the 1960s. The house next door at 415 N. Carroll Street was built in 1909 for daughter Elizabeth and her husband, Dr. Reginald Jackson." Madison's Pioneer Buildings: A Downtown Walking Tour, 1987. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Sandstone and Buffalo Robes: Madison's historic buildings, third edition, 1975. Madison's Pioneer Buildings: A Downtown Walking Tour, 1987. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |