The $30 million renovation of Spring Mill Inn in Mitchell has won Indiana Landmarks’ Renaissance Award, recognizing the State of Indiana’s extraordinary commitment to preserving the 1939 limestone inn in Spring Mill State Park.

The inn reopened in December 2024 following a two-year rehabilitation to modernize the building and make it more accessible. Throughout the project, general contractor Glenroy Construction took pains to respect the inn’s historic character and features.

In the lobby, workers installed a ramp to provide access to a new reception desk, carefully maintaining and repairing the historic oak paneling. In the lobby and dining room, crews removed drop ceilings added in the ’60s, exposing original concrete beams stained during the inn’s construction to resemble wood. Other improvements include new heating and cooling systems, new plumbing, and new furnishings, fixtures, paint, and carpet in all guest rooms.

The project marked the inn’s first full-scale renovation since it opened more than 80 years ago, funded from $100 million allocated by the State to the Department of Natural Resources to address deferred state park maintenance. The renovation’s design team included The Engineering Collaborative, Ratio Design, and Lawson-Elser Engineering Consultants, who coordinated with the state Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology to ensure the inn’s historic character remained intact.

“The revitalization of this wonderful state park landmark shows it is possible to make historic places inclusive for all Hoosiers,” says Gregory Fehribach, Indiana Landmarks’ board chair.

Along with the Spring Mill Inn’s recent makeover, work wrapped up this spring on repairs to the park’s namesake 1817 grist mill, a popular attraction where visitors can see the historic mill in operation and buy ground cornmeal.

In 2021, one of the mill’s gears became misaligned, making contact with the building’s floor and necessitating multiple repairs, including replacing the shaft, water wheel, and other mechanical components. The wooden flume that supplies water to turn the giant wheel also required reconstruction. Finding a silver lining in the midst of tragedy, the repairs incorporated poplar wood salvaged from trees damaged by a tornado that hit McCormick’s Creek State Park in 2023.

“We are pleased to recognize the State’s forward-looking investment in restoring such a beloved public landmark,” says Brad Ward, president of Indiana Landmarks. “Our state parks are important historic and natural assets, and projects like this ensures they will continue to enrich generations to come.”

“Our drive to preserve Indiana history and provide a great experience for all of our guests have come together perfectly through our complete renovation of the Spring Mill Inn,” said Karen Hinton, deputy director for inn operations and hospitality for Indiana State Parks. “Today our guests enjoy a modern stay that also still reflects the inn’s 80+ history. We’re thankful for the financial support we received from the Indiana General Assembly that made this restoration possible, and we welcome all Hoosiers to come see the inn for yourself.”

Indiana Landmarks will present the Renaissance Award at the statewide organization’s annual meeting and awards event in Indianapolis on September 6.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mindi Woolman, Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534,  mwoolman@indianalandmarks.org

Paige Wassel, Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534, pwassel@indianalandmarks.org

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Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, strengthens connections to our diverse heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservation. For more information on the not-for-profit organization, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.