Madison hotel earns ‘Historic Hotel’ designation
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The Historic Eagle Cotton Mill in Madison has been inducted into the Historic Hotels of America program, just two years after undergoing a $20 million restoration.
The former mill was constructed in the mid-1880s and reopened in 2021 as a Fairfield Inn and Suites, which includes a conference center, after sitting vacant for about 40 years.
Historic Hotels of America is an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It includes more than 300 hotels and resorts that are recognized “for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance.”
The facility originally served as a cotton mill that produced twine and fabric. During World War II, it was bought by Meese Inc. and converted to produce canvas goods and combat gear. The facility was vacated in 1980.
To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.
“Gaining the designation of a Historic Property and becoming a member of the Historic Hotels of America has been a goal for the team for some time,” said General Manager Victoria Perry. “This building has over 139 years of history in this town so it makes perfect sense that we join this prestigious organization.”
The building was included on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list in 2014. Earlier this year, Indiana Landmarks named the Eagle Cotton Mill the winner of its new Renaissance Award.
“The Fairfield Inn and Suites project rescued one of Madison’s most important landmarks, the historic Eagle Cotton Mill,” said Indiana Landmarks CEO Marsh Davis. “The entire development team deserves the highest praise and we were pleased to honor the project with our inaugural Renaissance Award, which recognizes the restoration of outstanding properties across the state.”
The Eagle Cotton Mill says a key to the buildings revitalization was maintaining the charm and preserving the history and significance of the original building.