In the 1990s, Alcorn’s law firm rehabilitated a dilapidated nineteenth-century factory complex on 6th Street for use as its offices. By revitalizing a key historic building on the road into downtown, the firm provided the first large-scale example of how a local industrial landmark could be repurposed for new use, setting the stage for future development of similar sites. The rehabilitation earned an adaptive reuse award from the American Bar Association.
“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,” notes John Staicer, Executive Director of Historic Madison. “That summarizes and symbolizes in brick and stone the commitment Merritt has had to historic preservation.”
Alcorn chaired Historic Madison’s board of directors for 20 years, helping the organization navigate the acquisition, restoration, and reuse of landmark properties, including the Shrewsbury-Windle House and St. Michael the Archangel Church. He’s also supplied pro bono legal aid to draft historic preservation covenants and easement documents to protect the character of properties the group sold.
“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,” says Alcorn. “Madison is about place, and people are willing to put a value on that.”
Alcorn is an alum of DePauw University and the University of Louisville School of Law.
He was honored as part of Indiana Landmarks’ annual meeting and awards presentation in Indianapolis on September 6.
