Location Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Regions Great Lakes, Midwestern US Gender Male Also Known As Lee Alig
Website www.corneliusalig.com/ LinkedIn View on LinkedIn
Cornelius “Lee” Alig is a sixth-generation Hoosier and lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. An accomplished architect, developer, and civic leader, Lee has played a key role in shaping the urban fabric and cultural vitality of his hometown. With a career spanning over four decades, his work reflects a deep commitment to design excellence,
historic preservation, and community engagement.
Lee is a licensed architect in the state of Indiana and began his career by co-founding HDG (now Ratio) Architects, Inc., a multidisciplinary architecture and planning firm with an urban focus. He later co-founded Mansur Real Estate Services, Inc., where he served as CEO from 1982 to 2013. Under his leadership, the company developed numerous commercial, hospitality, multifamily, and office projects throughout Indiana and surrounding states.
With expertise in architecture, site planning, and zoning regulation, Lee has contributed significantly to the revitalization of downtown Indianapolis and neighboring cities. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the Regional 2020 Plan under Mayor Bart Peterson and chaired the Governor’s Residence Commission under two gubernatorial administrations. He has served on more than 15 nonprofit boards and remains actively engaged in social service initiatives across the region.
Lee currently serves on the board of the Design Arts Collaborative, promoting public appreciation of architecture and design through exhibitions, lectures, and landmark tours. He is also the host of Design Minded Indiana, a radio program and podcast recorded at WQRT 99.1 FM LP, featuring conversations with local designers and creatives. With over 50 episodes aired, the show highlights the role of design in shaping Indiana’s communities.
Deeply committed to service, Lee volunteers with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc., contributing to litter cleanups, green space creation, and the planting of over 3,000 trees across the city. He also supports Second Helpings, helping rescue surplus food and provide over 4,000 hot meals daily to those in need, including through the annual Tonic Ball fundraiser. As a volunteer writer for The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, Lee helps preserve and share the city’s rich history.
Lee’s contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash (Indiana’s highest civilian honor), the AIA Michigan Honor Award, the Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence, the Wood Design Citation Award, and the Arti Award from the Indianapolis Arts Council.
Raised as the oldest of four children, Lee credits his parents—a career banker and horse enthusiast father, and a gardening, stay-at-home mother—for instilling in him a strong sense of curiosity, service, and appreciation for place. Today, he continues to champion thoughtful design and community-centered development, working to make Indianapolis a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city.
