The historic storefronts of downtown Madison, Indiana, vary in color. Most are made of brick, are three stories tall, and have ground floor retail. A few cars are parked on the street in front of the buildings. The sky in the background is blue with clouds. At the street level, a tree's leaves are changing into fall colors.

photo by: Daniel Dempster Photography/Alamy

Preservation Magazine, Spring 2025

Flash Back: Madison, Indiana’s Historic Downtown, 2007

WHY THIS PLACE? Since its founding in 1980, Main Street America has helped more than 2,000 communities breathe life back into their downtowns and historic commercial districts. But it all started with three towns, including Madison, Indiana. This Jefferson County community was part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Main Street Project,” a 1977 pilot program that has since evolved into today’s Main Street America, an independent subsidiary of the National Trust.

More than four decades later, Madison’s downtown (shown above in 2007) continues to thrive. The city’s Main Street program was a 2024 winner of the annual Great American Main Street Award, which recognized its preservation-based economic revitalization efforts.

“In just the past year, we’ve seen 11 new businesses open in downtown Madison, along with several existing businesses relocating to our historic district and expanding their operations,” says Madison Main Street Program Executive Director Austin Sims. “We remain committed to preserving Madison’s unique character while fostering growth.”

During the National Trust’s 75th anniversary year, Flash Back will highlight a place of significance to the organization’s history.

Preservation magazine Assistant Editor Malea Martin.

Malea Martin is the assistant editor at Preservation magazine. Outside of work, you can find her scouring antique stores for mid-century furniture and vintage sewing patterns, or exploring new trail runs with her dog. Malea is based on the Central Coast of California.

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This May, for Preservation Month, we’re celebrating the power of place—and the countless ways, big and small, that preservation creates. Preservation Month is our chance to show why our work matters!

Celebrate!