2004 Preservation Awards
Urdahl/Woodburn House
211 North Prospect
[photo: Larry Lester]
Urdahl/Woodburn House
211 North Prospect
Jeff Horein and Lisa Kisling, owners
Michael F. Simon, contractor
Award: Residential restoration
The impressive house at 211 N. Prospect, in the University Heights Historic District, was built in 1915 for U.W.-Madison professor Thomas Urdahl. Two years later, the house was sold to John and Vona Donald. John Donald held numerous political posts in Wisconsin, including state senator and Secretary of State. Donald Park near Mt. Horeb is named after his family.
In 1923, their daughter Delma married James Woodburn. According to one account, the ceremony took place in the living room of the house at 211 Prospect, "under a canopy of live foliage." James’ career as an engineering professor took them to Michigan, Washington state and Germany. In 1937, the couple and their two young sons moved into the family home on Prospect.
Delma Donald Woodburn lived there until she passed away in 2001 at age 102. During her long life, Delma participated in many organizations, including the Madison Civic Club, Dane County Historical Society (founder and president), and Historic Madison (honorary member). She also helped her mother maintain their three farms in Springdale Township after her father died.
Delma earned a B.A. in economics at UW- Madison in 1921, and a degree from the farm short course in the College of Agriculture in 1940. She bequeathed the family home to the University of Wisconsin and the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society, of which she was a life member.
Jeff Horein and Lisa Kisling purchased this stuccoed Spanish Colonial home, with Mission-style interior, in May of 2002. It was in need of major repairs that would take at least six months to accomplish. This work was done by Michael F. Simon of Waunakee.
Jeff and Lisa have taken exceptional steps to preserve the historic character of the house. Major decay required sensitive replacement of approximately 60 percent of the original exterior stucco. A new copper roof replaced up to six layers of roof material, which was leaking profusely and had led to severe water damage throughout the house.
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Other 2004 Award Winners
Urdahl/Woodburn House
