Rush Creek Village facts for kids

Rush Creek Village is a special neighborhood in Worthington, Ohio. It's a historic place located just north of Columbus, Ohio. This unique community was started in 1954 by Martha and Richard Wakefield. They worked with an architect named Theodore Van Fossen. Together, they designed and built 48 houses, which later grew to 51. These homes were inspired by the ideas of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. His style was called "Usonian" architecture. Rush Creek Village is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 14, 2003. This means it's officially recognized as a place worth protecting because of its history and design.

How Rush Creek Village Started

In 1946, Martha and Richard Wakefield from Columbus became very interested in the buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. They were so inspired that they decided to visit him. They traveled all the way to his studio in Arizona, called Taliesin West.

When they were leaving, Mr. Wright gave Martha Wakefield some advice. He told her to "Go home, buy a Jeep and build a house for yourself. Then build a house for your next-door neighbor." Martha took his words seriously.

In 1954, her husband, Richard, who was a builder, started working on a big project. He teamed up with Theodore Van Fossen. Theodore was an architect who had studied with Frank Lloyd Wright. Together, they began to create what would become Rush Creek Village. It grew into the largest group of homes in the country based on Wright's ideas of "organic architecture."

What is Organic Architecture?

Organic architecture is a way of designing buildings that fit in with nature. It means that the house should look like it belongs in its surroundings. It should use natural materials and blend with the landscape. Frank Lloyd Wright believed that buildings should be connected to the environment around them.

Becoming a Historic Place

Rush Creek Village was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 14, 2003. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Beth Savage, an expert on buildings, said that Rush Creek is a "wonderful and intact example." She meant that it's a great and complete example of Wright's organic architecture ideas.

The Idea Behind the Village

The Worthington Historical Society explains the main idea of Rush Creek Village. It's about creating a community where every house is special. Each home is designed for the people who live there. But at the same time, all the houses fit together in a planned way.

This careful planning helps use the beautiful land to its best. It also makes sure that neighbors have their own private space. The needs of each family are met, but all the parts come together to form one whole community. It's like a puzzle where every piece is unique but fits perfectly with the others.

Images for kids

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  Rush Creek Village Round House