9980-09 Historical Landmark - 501 W. Washington

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Recommendation Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Criteria's adopted by the Common Council, the site and structure at 501 W. Washington has been recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County. The Building and Site meet three of the criteria for Local Landmark Status: 1) Its embodiment of elements or architectural design, detail, material or craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation; The Rushton is an excellent example of aturn-of--the-century Neo-Classical design and retains a high level of architectural integrity. At the time of its construction it was an innovated residential concept found in other Cities but not yet in South Bend. It was one of South Bend's first "high rise"apartment buildings. The structure is rated "notable" in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory of South Bend and is a contributing building to the W. Washington National Register district. 2) Its suitability for preservation; The Rushton has significant original exterior architectural integrity. Recent architectural studies have concluded that the building can be converted to modern living standards and that it is in sound structural condition. 3) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance The building is associated with South Bend developers John and Edward Rush.