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
Congratulations to all of the SHSI Preservation Projects of Merit Award Winners! Preservation Projects of Merit awards recognize historic preservation projects that exemplify the best of preservation practices, meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings, and utilize the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. All eligible projects were those which received final approval for state tax credits during the Iowa 2025 fiscal year. The Edward H. Jones House is the recipient of the Judith A. McClure Award. The Judith A. McClure Award recognizes outstanding preservation of a residential property with two or less residential units using State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program incentives. The French Way is the recipient of the Adrian D. Anderson Award. This award recognizes outstanding preservation of a small preservation project (less than $750,000) using State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program incentives. The Churchill Lofts is the recipient of the Margaret Keyes Award which recognizes outstanding preservation of a large historic preservation project (more than $750,000) using State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program Incentives. The Warnock-Benson Building is the recipient of the William J. Wagner Award. The William J. Wagner award recognizes the historic preservation project which exemplifies conformance with U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation while using State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program Incentives. Congratulations to all of the SHSI Preservation Projects of Merit Award Winners!
What are you ideas for "irreplaceable" sites in Iowa? The World Monuments Fund Names 10 "Irreplaceable America" Sites for the 250th Anniversary of the United States Independence.
Congratulations Amie Herrick! Amie has been awarded a National Trust for Historic Preservation Diversity in Preservation Scholarship! https://www.mississippivalleypublishing.com/the_hawk_eye/bit-by-the-preservation-bug/article_3e95378a-be85-42e7-874a-a3a7773c92a4.html #mellingerlibrary
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.
