National Trust of Historic Preservation names Ellensburg among 12 "distinctive destinations" in the US

March 7, 2007

Ellensburg, Wash. - - The National Trust of Historic Preservation today named Ellensburg among its 2007 Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of "unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States." The list of 12 destinations was selected from a total of 63 destinations in 27 states nominated by individuals, and preservation organizations and communities. Ellensburg, home of Central Washington University, now becomes the fourth city in Washington to earn the distinction, and is only one of two cities west of the Mississippi to win a place on the list.

"We're pleased to be part of a community that values its history," said CWU President Dr. Jerilyn S. McIntyre. "Central has made it a priority to preserve the beautiful, historic buildings on our campus. We believe those efforts contribute to the distinctive character of Ellensburg."

Last year CWU was one of only three organizations in Washington to receive the Award for Resource Stewardship from the state Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP). CWU's record of 20 years or more of outstanding stewardship is evident today in the campus's 18 historic buildings, which include excellent examples in the Italianate, Classical Revival, Arts and Crafts, and Mission Revival styles.

In announcing the award today, the National Trust of Historic Preservation described Ellensburg this way: "Located in the heart of the beautiful Kittitas Valley and in the center of Washington State, historic Ellensburg is a wonderfully preserved Victorian town that's home to Central Washington University, a delightful downtown historic district and some of the best fly fishing in the Northwest." "We have something really exciting going on. The things that are distinctive here are the people of Ellensburg who make us unique; what has been built and what is being preserved," said Mayor Obie O'Brien today at a ceremony honoring the designation at Ellensburg's Clymer Museum.

"This competitive, and highly sought after distinction is well deserved. Ellensburg is blessed in so many ways - a sunny climate, a stunning setting at the base of the Cascade Mountains, a great location, and the seat of a highly respected and growing university," wrote Dr. Allyson Brooks, OAHP Historical Preservation Officer. Her comments were part of a letter to the Ellensburg Mayor O'Brien, the City Council, and the citizens of Ellensburg.

The other 11 Distinctive Destinations include Charlottesville, VA.; Chatham, MA; Chestertown, M.D.; Hillsborough, N.C.; Little Rock, AR.; Mineral Point, Wis.; Morgantown, W V; Providence, RI; West Hollywood, CA.; and Woodstock, IL.

To download high resolution images of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, please visit www.nationaltrust.org/ddd.

For more information, please contact Becky Watson, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Central Washington University, 509-963-2111.

Photo: Ellensburg Mayor Obie O'Brien and City Manager Ted Barkley accept the 2007 Dozen Distinctive Destinations award from Historic Ellensburg President, Joe Bach. Photo by Joe Whiteside, Ellensburg Daily Record.