9980-09 Historical Landmark - 501 W. Washington

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Rushton Apartment Building 501 W. Washington Historical Context This four-story apartment building known as The Rushton vas built in 1906 by John and Edward Rush. Mr. John Rush made his living in real estate. He and his brother, Edward, built the Rushton as a family residence and hotel complete with its own cafeteria. John Rush co-owned the building until his death in 1940 at age $0. Edward Rush was born in 1871 and was also in to real estate. He was the treasurer of the Fidelity Land Company. Edward retained ownership of the structure until his death in 1944, after which, it was placed in a trust controlled by John's three children. The Rush heirs owned the property until 1972 when it was sold to Dennis Emery who rented out the various units unti12000 when he sold it to Indiana Land Trust. During the first years of its existence the Rushton was home to various real estate agents, clerks, managers and laLVyers. The 35 original units did not contain kitchens as a common dining room was located in the lower level for tenant's use. Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana was named Receiver of the Building and Site in 2005. The Rushton is a neo-classic style building with unusual glazed brick masonry exterior. It is a contributing building in the West Washington National Register District. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest residential building in the city and remains today the tallest structure in the W. Washington National Register District. The building anchors a key intersection of the district and provides an important connection between the downtown and the adjacent residential structures. It is the only building with its combination of style and design in the West Washington district. Architectural Description The Rushton is a four-story Neo-Classical style apartment building. It has a rectangular plan, a flat roof with metal parapet coping, one over one double hung windows with limestone sills. The east and south facades have wood frame bow windows with simple metal cornices and one over one double hung wood windows all supported on a limestone base. The brick masonry exterior walls are accented with limestone quoining, brick dentils and decorative limestone door surrounds at the front door and east entrance. The front entrance surround is carried out in a simple craftsmen style. The exterior brick is a unique variegated orange color with a fired glaze finish. The first floor contains a recessed porch entrance support by decorative brick piers with an eyebrow cornice and brackets on each side, concrete step and concrete floor and foundation. There are two stairs leading to the lower level