Presidential Residence
The Brittingham House
Located in the Highlands area of Madison's west side, Brittingham House is the official residence of the University of Wisconsin System president. It is used frequently for receptions, business meetings, and other public events.
Thomas E. and Mary Brittingham built the elegant Georgian-style house in 1916 as their final residence. In 1955, their children donated the house and its 15-acre grounds to the University of Wisconsin. It became the official residence of the UW System president in 1977.
Brittingham House Facts:
- Brittingham House
- According to Board of Regents policy, the UW System president is required to live in Brittingham House as a condition of employment.
- Brittingham House is "the front door" to the UW System. Dozens of meetings and events take place there each year, and the UW System president hosts numerous local, state, national and international dignitaries at the facility.
- As many as 3,000 people attend official UW System and charitable community events and meetings at Brittingham House annually. If Brittingham House were not in use, the university would have to rent facilities for these purposes in many cases.
- University presidents across the nation are provided official university residences and required to host receptions, community activities, fundraising events and other functions at their official residences.
- Operating expenses of the house and events there are funded by private contributions, and university program revenue within state guidelines.