Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison Historic Eagle Cotton Mill
MADISON, IN
- Hospitality
106,000 SF
81 Keys
Turning History into Hospitality
Located on the banks of the Ohio River, the historic Eagle Cotton Mill, abandoned for nearly 40 years, has been transformed into a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, bringing new energy to Madison. The adaptive reuse of the existing structures not only revitalizes the region but also preserves Madison’s largest and most complete historic industrial complex, serving as a vital amenity for the community and enhancing Madison’s Historic District.
The Impact
We worked closely with the client to assess the 1884 waterfront mill and confirm its viability as a boutique hotel. Our design and preservation team also helped to match the project with sources of funding, including Industrial Recovery Tax Credits that target reuse of abandoned industrial buildings.
With its doors open, the hotel is welcoming guests and earning 5-star reviews. The project has exceeded predictions and became the #1 ranked hotel on Tripadvisor, Expedia, Booking.com, and Priceline in the area. This project has shown how one great adaptive reuse initiative can spur other renovation projects. In 2021, the city saw over $2.6 million in renovation projects within its National Historic Landmark District in addition to the $22 million transformation of the Eagle Cotton Mill. It is a prime example of effectively leveraging incentives and funding to rejuvenate communities and foster vibrant futures.
Outbuildings
Two separate outbuildings on the mill property were salvaged and restored, offering the client valuable space for future redevelopment. Illustrating the project’s close ties with the Madison community, the roof of the former mill office structure was replaced using slate reclaimed from a nearby historic building.
