Madison Main Street earns the 2024 Great American Main Street Award

25 years since an Indiana Main Street community has been awarded this designation

 Main Street America recently announced Madison Main Street as the winner of the 2024 Great American Main Street Award. The award is Main Street America's top honor, recognizing communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization.

Established in 1979, Madison Main Street was one of three original Main Street pilot programs in the country and played an important role in the creation of the Indiana Main Street program in 1985.

“Congratulations to Madison Main Street for being named the winner of the 2024 Great American Main Street Award,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “It has been 25 years since an Indiana Main Street community has been awarded this designation, and I can’t think of a more deserving recipient. Our Main Street communities are the heart of Indiana, and Madison is the prime example of that in our state.”

Selected by a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, Madison Main Street is recognized for fostering a welcoming culture, celebrating historic preservation and championing community collaboration. 

“Madison Main Street has a proven track record of success and continues to be an example for other Main Street communities around the country,” said OCRA Executive Director Duke Bennett. “This recognition and honor is well deserved for Madison Main Street. Our team at OCRA and Indiana Main Street congratulate all those involved, from the Main Street director to the board and volunteers.”

Madison Main Street has shown commitment to historic preservation through work plans that leverage partnerships with the community’s preservation organizations, historic sites and local experts. Madison Main Street hosts free preservation-based workshops and brings local history to life through its “This Place Matters” banners. Additionally, the organization’s Design Committee volunteers assist business owners with creating architecturally appropriate facades for their storefronts by researching and finding historic photos of their buildings. 

"Madison Main Street isn't just about revitalization, it's about igniting possibilities and transforming aspirations into tangible realities for our community," said Executive Director at Madison Main Street Austin Sims. "Our over 40-year journey is marked by milestones and community spirit. While this recognition celebrates our past achievements, it is also just a glimpse into the journey ahead. The story of Madison is far from finished, and we are so excited to play our part!"

To learn more about the Indiana Main Street program, visit in.gov/ocra/mainstreet/. To learn more about Main Street America, visit mainstreet.org.