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Our house was built originally as a wedding gift to UW Professor Harold C. Bradley and his fiancée Josephine Crane. Today,
the house at 106 North Prospect stands as a monument to Prairie Style Architecture. The Harold C. Bradley House was built
in 1908-1909 and was designed by the renowned architect Louis Sullivan. Within the house, Sullivan’s ‘form meets
function’ style is complemented by the elegant furnishings designed by premier craftsman George Grant Elmslie.
Sigma Phi purchased the building from the Bradley’s in 1915, and continues to maintain the residence to the highest
standards. Because the house was designed originally as a residential home, the eight bedrooms are well suited to a smaller
fraternity such as Sigma Phi. Variably-sized bedrooms, a living room, a dining room complimented with a sixteen person circular
table, two libraries, and a recreational room. The house is also situated on a large plot of land, further enhancing its
beauty and comfort.
A fire in 1972 nearly destroyed the Sigma Phi house. Thanks to a generous gift from Arthur C. Nielson Sr., the building was
completely restored and named Madison’s first National Historical Landmark. In fact, the house stands today as the only remaining residential dwelling designed by Louis Sullivan. Throughout the
house are various plaques and historical furnishings that commemorate Sigma Phi’s dedication to the preservation of
the landmark.
Most recently, Arthur C. Nielson Jr. made possible the renovation of the downstairs library; now commemorated as the Coyle
Library in memory of his life-long friend and Sig Brother, Douglas Coyle. The new library serves as a modern study area for
active members.
Located in one of Madison’s finest neighborhoods, the Sigma Phi Chapter house’s historical elegance help to make
it unlike any other fraternity on the UW Campus. The active chapter welcomes any prospective members or those simply interested
in historical architecture to arrange for a tour of the landmark where a more formal, in depth appreciation for the majestic
nature of the house can be experienced.
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