EDITOR’S NOTE: On May 26, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation announced its annual list of Washington State’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The list dates back to 1992, and aims to raise awareness of historic properties that face demolition by redevelopment or neglect. Over the past 17 years, according to the Trust, more than 100 have been nominated by concerned citizens and organizations across the state. The organization also assists historic preservation advocates in developing strategies aimed at removing these threats.

This year’s list includes Curran House (University Place); Alki Homestead Restaurant (Seattle); BF Tabbott House (Bainbridge Island); Bush House (Index); George Carmack House (Seattle); Day Block (Dayton); Old Ellensburg Hospital (Ellensburg); Libbey House (Coupeville); Post-Intelligencer Globe (Seattle); Sand Point Naval Station (Seattle); St. Edward’s Catholic Church (Shelton); Surrey Downs (Bellevue); Vashon Elementary Gymnasium (Vashon Island).

Earlier this week, the Index began publishing a profile of each endangered property, as compiled by the Trust. Here is what the Trust has to say about the Bush House in Index.

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Founded in 1890 as a way station for travelers venturing over Stevens Pass, the town of Index flourished during that decade and into the early twentieth century with the construction of the Great Northern Railroad and the subsequent engineering marvel that is the Cascade Tunnel. With additional economic activity from mining, quarrying, and railroad construction needs, Index was able to sustain five hotels. Only one of these remains: the Bush House.

Constructed in 1898, the Bush House was initially managed by Clarence Bush and his wife who operated the property as a hotel serving railway passengers venturing over Stevens Pass. Although the business changed ownership several times, it managed to hang on to its original name. Closed for a period during the Great Depression and beyond, the hotel re-opened in the 1970s and continued to serve as a major community gathering place, hosting dances, community celebrations, meetings, concerts, and weddings.

Several years ago, Snohomish County revoked the hotel’s Certificate of Occupancy due to structural and public safety concerns. Since this time, the building has been subject to vandalism and squatters. The structure’s shingle roof is rotting and could be subject to collapse given the heavy snowfall that commonly occurs in the area. The property is for sale, but despite receiving several purchase offers, the owner has opted not to sell. The hope is that an agreement can be reached with a buyer interested in rehabilitating the Bush House. Of the five pioneer-era hotels that once served Index, the Bush House, listed in the Washington State Heritage Register, stands as the last remaining.

For more information on the Trust, visit http://www.wa-trust.org .

For earlier Index coverage of the Trust, click on the following links:

1. In an old hilltop mansion, a strong voice for preservation (04/14/09) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1528102&more=0 or http://www.wahmee.com/tdi_wa_trust.pdf .

2. Long list of concerns for Washington State preservationists (05/29/08) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1228444&more=0 or http://www.wahmee.com/tdi_jennifer_meisner_qa.pdf .