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
Check out Section 106 in the News for information on Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and why it is currently a hot topic of discussion.
Preservation News from across the State and Nation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting nominations for the 2027 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. For 40 years, the National Trust’s 11 Most list has uplifted and catalyzed community-led preservation work at over 380 sites through a high-impact advocacy and public awareness campaign resulting in increased visibility and new resources to save and activate historic places for the public good. Watch the video to learn more about how 11 Most helps save places. The deadline to submit a nomination is October 1, 2026. For more information and a link to the nomination form, visit the FAQ. https://savingplaces.org/americas-most-endangered-historic-places
Maintenance Essentials for Existing Masonry Buildings--FREE Webinar from the International Masonry Institute Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 11am Central Time 1 LU/HSW Proactive maintenance is essential to preserving the safety, performance, and value of masonry buildings, both historic and modern. Explore key considerations for building owners and design professionals to consider when managing cyclical or deferred maintenance. You’ll learn how regular inspections and routine upkeep, including cleaning, repointing, caulking, and crack repair, help prevent deterioration and reduce the need for costly capital projects. We’ll also discuss when more extensive interventions, like masonry unit replacement or structural repairs, become necessary to address long-term issues. By understanding the full range of maintenance practices, you’ll be equipped to extend the life of masonry structures, ensure occupant safety, and protect building integrity for future generations. Register here:
Did you miss the webinar about what historic preservation commissions should know about the proposed changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act? You're in luck! It was recorded and you can access that recording here: https://www.bigmarker.com/national-alliance-of-preserv/section-106-under-threat-what-these-proposed-changes-mean-for-preservation-at-the-local-level?bmid=fda5c6eb11a0&bma=a77cf6fdf0de&bmi=e1fe87b2c781&bmid_type=member
Preservation Iowa joins more than 600 other preservation organizations across the country in signing an open letter asking Congress to protect and strengthen Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Read the letter here:
If you missed the National Trust's webinar on advocating for Section 106 on Monday, watch it here: https://savingplaces.org/section106/updates/video-guidance-for-advocates-proposed-section-106
The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions will host a webinar on Thursday, August 27, at 1:00 PM (Central) to discuss the proposed changes to the Section 106 process and what they could mean for local preservation commissions and communities. The proposed revisions could significantly limit the role of local governments and communities in the Section 106 consultation process. Understanding what is being proposed, how the process works, and what you can do to make your voice heard is more important than ever. This webinar will provide an overview of: The basics of Section 106: What it is, why it exists, and how the process works. The proposed changes: What is being revised and how the changes could affect local governments and preservation commissions. What happens next: The process for formalizing the proposed revisions and opportunities for engagement. What local communities are doing: Learn how cities and local governments are responding to the proposed changes. How you can take action: Discover ways to advocate for meaningful local participation and ensure local voices remain part of the Section 106 process. Whether you're new to Section 106 or have been following these developments closely, this webinar will provide important context and practical information to help you understand what is at stake and how you can get involved. Register here: https://www.bigmarker.com/national-alliance-of-preserv/section-106-under-threat-what-these-proposed-changes-mean-for-preservation-at-the-local-level?show_live_page=true
