Indiana Landmarks has acquired the historic Custer-Cosby House in Madison, Indiana, with plans to stabilize the long-vacant property and complete exterior restoration before marketing it to buyers who can complete interior rehabilitation.

The project is part of efforts by the City of Madison and preservation advocates to address vacant and blighted properties and boost revitalization within the city’s National Historic Landmark District.

Indiana Landmarks will complete foundation and structural repairs and undertake exterior restoration on the remaining two-story section of the 1844 house before adding a new two-story addition to allow for a potential three-bedroom home. Work is expected to wrap up next spring, when the house will be placed on the market with covenants protecting the historic exterior. Comprehensive interior rehabilitation will need to be completed by a new owner.

The two-story home was originally built on Poplar Street by carpenter Charles Custer in 1844. The house was later occupied by the family of Charles Cosby, who became the first Black elected official in Jefferson County’s history when he was elected to the Madison City Council in 1970. He was re-elected for a second term in 1974 but died in office. His wife, Christine assumed his council seat, becoming the first Black woman to serve in government in the county.

The home was relocated by local preservation advocates to its present site at 111 East 4th Street in 1999 to save it from demolition as part of a local hospital expansion.

“The Custer-Cosby House is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a living piece of Madison’s story. This restoration is an investment not only in a building, but in the people and neighborhoods that make Madison special,” said Mayor Bob Courtney. “Furthermore, this project reflects our city’s commitment to tackling blight, strengthening our National Historic Landmark District, and ensuring that each neighborhood is clean, safe, and beautiful. This would not happen without the partnership with Indiana Landmarks.”

“Many of the historic places associated with Madison’s Black heritage have been lost over the years, and we’re honored to be part of this collaborative effort involving the City and descendants of the Cosby family, who are engaged with us in this project,” said Greg Sekula, Director of Indiana Landmarks’ Southern Regional Office.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Greg Sekula, Director, Indiana Landmarks Southern Regional Office, 812-284-4534, gsekula@indianalandmarks.org

Mindi Woolman, Director of Marketing and Communications, Indiana Landmarks, 317-822-7904, mwoolman@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.