Media Contact: Katherine Orr, Historic Hotels of America
Madison IN [November 28th 2023] – The Historic Eagle Cotton Mill in Madison IN, is pleased to announce it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Historic Eagle Cotton Mill is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance.
“Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct The Historic Eagle Cotton Mill, a boutique hotel originally built as a Cotton Mill in 1884 and restored and adapted to a hotel in 2021,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We commend The Historic Eagle Cotton Mill, the ownership group of Cotton Mill LLC, and leadership team at Dora Hospitality LLC for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination.”
The hotel has been franchised with Marriott International as a Fairfield Inn & Suites in order to
enjoy all the perks that come with its franchised members, such a loyalty program and online presence. However, through careful planning amongst the ownership group, the hotel maintains all the charm of the original building and preserves the history and significance of the Cotton Mill in the small river town of Madison, Indiana. “The Fairfield Inn and Suites project rescued one of Madison’s most important landmarks, the historic Eagle Cotton Mill”, says Marsh Davis, President & CEO of Indiana Landmarks, the statewide historic preservation organization. “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.”
To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior 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. This building has over 139 years of history in this town so it makes perfect sense that we join this prestigious organization,” says General Manager Victoria Perry.
The Historic Eagle Cotton Mill is rich in history and architectural integrity. The Cotton Mill began its life in 1884 as a factory along the Ohio River. It produced twine and fabric that was then shipped down the Ohio River in barges and riverboats, many of which you can still see cruising along the river as you look out the custom 13-foot-high windows in each guest room. In 1940, Meese Inc. bought the factory and began making canvas goods and combat gear during WWII. The Mill was abandoned in 1980 and sat vacant for over 40 years until the current owners revitalized it as a hotel. The Cotton Mill has kept many elements of the original building; including the wood from the staircase has been reclaimed and makes up the bar in the lobby, many of the original beams still bear carvings from the largely female workforce, and all the artwork in the building was commissioned from local artist and photographers to show the original building, employees, river barges, and Madison Main street from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
About Historic Hotels of America®
Historic Hotels of America® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States of America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation was chartered by U.S. Congress in 1949 and is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is leading the movement to save places where our history happened. To be nominated and selected for membership in this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historical significance. Of the more than 300 historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America from 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, all historic hotels faithfully preserve their sense of authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. For more information, please visit HistoricHotels.org.
https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/fairfield-inn-and-suites-madison-historic-eagle- cotton-mill/?from=rezconsole
About Fairfield Inn & Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is designed for today’s traveler who is looking to be productive on the road, whether for business or leisure. In addition to complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, Fairfield Inn & Suites offers thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that provide separate living, working and sleeping areas. With nearly 900 properties around the globe, Fairfield Inn & Suites is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®. Members can now link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information or reservations, visit www.fairfieldinn.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @FairfieldHotels on www.twitter.com/fairfieldhotels.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sdffm-fairfield-inn-and-suites-madison-historic- eagle-cotton-mill/overview/
About Dora Hospitality
The Dora Hospitality Group represents over 60 years of hotel ownership and management expertise, continuing the legacy of the Dora family as hoteliers who operate their business firmly grounded in family values. They develop and operate both branded and boutique hotels, with a focus on the Midwestern United States, and are known for their personal, individualized attention to every property. For more information, please visit www.dorahg.com or connect with them on Facebook.