Attorney Merritt Alcorn honored for leadership in preservation
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Attorney and civic leader Merritt Alcorn is the 2025 recipient of the Williamson Prize, awarded by Indiana Landmarks for his leadership in the historic preservation of the city of Madison.
Today, downtown Madison is one of the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark districts in the country, with over 1,600 historic structures in 133 blocks. But a few decades ago, according to Indiana Landmarks, the city’s status was not so recognized.
As an emerging attorney in the 1970s, Alcorn contributed to early advocacy efforts, the organization said. An alum of Depauw University and the University of Louisville School of Law, he promoted awareness for historic Madison’s heritage and supported the preservation of Madison’s notable landmarks.
Alcorn helped craft a local historic district ordinance to provide guidelines and protection for the downtown’s remaining buildings, a measure that passed in 1981 despite political opposition.
The ordinance served its function by attracting private investment and helping maintain Madison’s downtown.
In the 1990s, Alcorn’s law firm rehabilitated a deteriorating 19th century factory complex for use at its offices. This revitalization was the first large-scale example of how a local industrial landmark could be repurposed rather than demolished.
“Most communities would have demolished the property and called it a day, but Merritt and his partners significantly invested in this place and made it available for community events,” said John Staicer, executive director of Historic Madison, in a news release. “That summarizes and symbolizes in brick and stone the commitment Merritt has had to historic preservation.”
The rehabilitation earned an adaptive reuse award from the American Bar Association.
For 20 years, Alcorn chaired Historic Madison’s board of directors. During his time on the board, he helped navigate the revitalization of landmark properties in the town.
“This was all a labor of love for me, and this award validates my family, Historic Madison, this community, and all those who have worked to bring about Madison’s transformation,” Alcorn said in the release. “Madison is about place, and people are willing to put a value on that.”
Alcorn will be honored as part of Indiana Landmarks’ annual meeting in Indianapolis on Sept. 6.