History of Our Properties – Preserving Rushville’s Past for the Future
Our properties—Campaign Quarters, The Windsor, and Campaign Flats—each have a rich history deeply connected to downtown Rushville. From the Durbin Hotel, which served as Wendell Willkie’s 1940 presidential campaign headquarters, to The Windsor, originally built as a church in 1850 and later home to the Knights of Pythias and Rush County Players, and Campaign Flats, once a Salvation Army facility, these buildings have played an essential role in the city’s past. Through careful renovation and historic preservation, they have been transformed into affordable, modern housing, ensuring their legacy continues for generations to come.
Campaign Quarters – The Historic Durbin Hotel
The Durbin Hotel, built around 1855, has long been a landmark in downtown Rushville, Indiana. Originally serving as a premier hotel, it became nationally significant in 1940 when it was used as the campaign headquarters for Wendell Willkie’s presidential bid against Franklin D. Roosevelt. The hotel was known for its distinctive stepped front gable facade, its fine dining restaurant, and its role as a central gathering place in the community.
After closing in 1981, the building fell into disrepair but was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 due to its architectural and historical importance. In recent years, a major redevelopment effort transformed the former hotel into Campaign Quarters Apartments, offering affordable senior housing while preserving its historic charm and significance. This restoration, part of a broader downtown revitalization effort, ensures that the Durbin Hotel continues to serve the Rushville community for generations to come.
The Windsor – A Community Landmark Since 1850
The building at 201 W. Second Street, Rushville, Indiana, now known as The Windsor, has a rich and varied history reflecting its central role in the community. Constructed in 1850, it originally served as a church, providing a place of worship for local residents. By 1889, the building transitioned to become the Ivy Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization that contributed to the social fabric of Rushville. In 1942, the structure was remodeled to house the Boys & Girls Club, supporting the development of the city's youth. Later, in 1999, it became the home of the Rush County Players, serving as a venue for community theater productions. In 2019, the building was repurposed to offer seven two-bedroom apartments for families, blending its historical significance with modern living spaces.
Campaign Flats – From Salvation Army to Senior Housing
The building that is now Campaign Flats has served many purposes over the years, starting as a Salvation Army facility before becoming an Army-Navy surplus store. Recognizing its potential as a residential space, developers restored the property in 2016, converting it into affordable senior housing.
Today, Campaign Flats provides seven two-bedroom apartments for seniors 55 and older, maintaining the building’s historic integrity while offering modern amenities in a prime downtown Rushville location.