What We Have Saved

The Clugston Hotel, Columbia City

People Preserving History and the Clugston Hotel

The story of saving the Clugston Hotel in downtown Columbia City from almost certain demolition began in 1995, exactly 100 years after the historic landmark was built. A small group of women began to meet together with city redevelopment officials to try to save the 1895 brick structure facing the courthouse. From these early meetings came a mission statement of broad preservation interests and in 1996 a not-for-profit organization, People Preserving History (PPH).

What followed was a long difficult struggle, but in April 2001, the rehabilitated hotel - its distinctive architectural features intact - reopened as the Clugston on the Square, an apartment complex for low income seniors.