Madison, Ind. hotel gets statewide recognition for $22 million revitalization of historic building

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Madison, Indiana, property is receiving statewide recognition for its $22 million transformation from a historic cotton mill to a hotel and conference center.

According to a news release, the Eagle Cotton Mill Fairfield Inn & Suites received Indiana Landmarks' Renaissance Award, which recognizes the revitalization of "long-decaying historic properties."

The mill was built in 1884 and had been vacant for decades, ultimately ending up on Indiana Landmarks' 10 Most Endangered List in 2013.

That changed when a partnership that included Riverton LLC, the City of Madison and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation came up with a plan to transform the building into a hotel.

Madison, Indiana's Eagle Cotton Mill

The team broke ground on the project in 2019.

"It takes incredible vision to look at a place like the Eagle Cotton Mill and say, 'I can transform that,'" said Marsh Davis, president of Indiana Landmarks, in a statement. "Our first Renaissance Award winner is an exemplar of the vision."

The former mill opened as an 85-room Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel and conference center in July 2021. According to the news release, it's the first Fairfield Inn to be housed in a historic building.

"Original timber beams support the soaring ceilings, and more than 200 huge windows -- designed to match the appearance of the originals -- illuminate the interior," the news release states.

The award was presented earlier this month.