Building partnerships that enhance our economic and cultural future through the preservation of Iowa's historic resources.
The future of Iowa is sustainable communities with an authentic sense of place created by their important historic structures. The rehabilitation and reuse of our historic buildings is both economically attractive and environmentally responsible; it is important to citizens and visitors to our state as well as for future generations.
Iowa Programs
Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties
Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties began in 1995 to show Iowans the special buildings and historic sites that are slowly and gradually slipping away from us. The program provides an excellent resource for media coverage and introduces endangered property owners to preservation advocates and resources that can help preserve their historic property.
Preservation at Its Best Awards
Each year Preservation Iowa seeks to honor statewide successes through the “Preservation at its Best Awards”. In doing so, we hope to inspire others to take action to preserve, protect, and promote Iowa’s historic resources. Additionally these projects highlight the work being done around the state to preserve our historic infrastructures by re-purposing them to allow reintegration into their local communities.
Property Types
Preservation Iowa focuses on providing information, raising awareness and protecting property types that hold special significance for Iowans.
Its efforts encompass a wide range of historic resources, including residential buildings, commercial and industrial structures, sacred places, schools, and movie theaters, as well as rural properties such as farmsteads and barns.
Residential
Movie Theaters
Sacred Places
Commercial & Industrial
Schools
Farmsteads & Barns
Preservation News From Across The State
Built to Last: Historic Restoration Series Do you own a historic home or simply love preserving Des Moines history? Join us for the first session of our Built to Last Historic Restoration Series and learn the art of restoring original wood windows from professionals who do it every day. Hear from: 🔹 Josh Harper, Clean Slate Builds 🔹 Erica Simbro, Knox Plat Windows 📅 July 26, 2026 ⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E 5th Street Whether you're tackling a restoration project or just curious about historic preservation, this hands-on educational session will provide practical tips, expert insight, and inspiration to help preserve the character of historic buildings for generations to come.
This is a great opportunity to learn about Iowa and the Meskwaki Nation. Sunday, June 28, 2-4pm, at the Meskwaki Tribal Center Gym in Tama.
Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that Brent Leggs will be its next president. Those of you who attended the Preserve Iowa Summit in Mt. Pleasant in 2025 will remember that Leggs gave the keynote address. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/arts/design/the-national-trust-new-president-brent-leggs.html?unlocked_article_code=1.sFA.xCnl.MuzUy_YGfhwV&smid=url-share Here's a video message from Leggs about the importance of our work as preservationists and his vision for the National Trust https://support.savingplaces.org/s/5659670/4xSjmNlq
Congratulations to the 2026 “Martha Hayes Preservationist of the Year” Preservation at Its Best Award winner, The Russell and Glenn families of Adel, Iowa! The Russell and Glenn families have been closely tied to the history and development of Adel for well over a century, particularly through business, civic leadership, and community involvement. One of the central figures was J.W. Russell, who arrived in Adel in 1872. He founded the company that became Russell Abstract & Title, one of Dallas County’s oldest continuously operating businesses. J.W. Russell also played an important civic role in Adel’s growth. According to Adel historical records, he: served as president of the Dallas County Savings Bank, helped organize the first railroad through Adel, and served as mayor in 1894 during a period when brick streets, sidewalks, and a waterworks system were installed. Today, Russell Abstract & Title notes that it has operated in Dallas County since 1872 and remains under fifth-generation family ownership. The Glenn family became connected to the Russell family through marriage and eventually leadership of the family business. The business is now operated by Kent and Brett Glenn. Gabbie Glenn is the 6th generation member of the family’s management team. City of Adel Councilwomen and Mayor Pro-Tem, Shirley McAdon states, “The Russell and Glenn families have led the way as a model of generational continuity and support for Adel’s business community….I believe that their enthusiasm for historic preservation helped the Adel Historic Preservation Commission in its effort to develop Historic Preservation Guidelines….the role of the building’s importance as a community asset and its role in maintaining the strength of Adel’s Historic Downtown District cannot be overstated.” Jim Peters, Mayor of Adel from 1992-2025 shares, “There is no family in Adel with a longer presence, and no family has been more committed to the community, both in word and deed, than the Russell/Glenn family.” For more than 150 years, the building at 821 Main Street, home of Russell Abstract & Title, has been maintained, occupied, and reinvested in by the same family. Its significance lies not in a single project, but rather in a sustained pattern of stewardship. Current City of Adel Mayor Timothy Crannell writes, “A multi-generational dedication whose benefits extend well beyond the building itself and into the broader community.” The families have assisted with the rehabilitation of other properties. 3 examples include Spearheading the downtown square Facade project, helping with preserving a Bonnet Factory that is now city hall, and helping the Law family restore the original Russell homestead. Both Russell and Glenn families have also been frequent contributors to the Adel Historical Museum and various projects. Because of the significance and longevity of the involvement in the community, the renovation of historical buildings and downtown, and the impact on the economic future of the area, Preservation Iowa is awarding the Martha Hays Preservationist of the Year award to the Russell and Glenn families of Adel. Congratulations!
Here's some good news for the Hotel Ottumwa!
