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
Call for Nominations - Advocacy Award The Vernacular Architecture Forum seeks nominations for the VAF Advocacy Award. The VAF Advocacy Award recognizes exemplary efforts and achievements on behalf of our vernacular built heritage. The award honors individuals and groups for exceptional contributions toward the interpretation, appreciation, and protection of vernacular buildings and cultural landscapes, and recognizes outstanding initiative, commitment, and action to promote and protect vernacular resources. The deadline is December 15, 2026. Read more here: https://www.vafweb.org/Advocacy
https://www.kcrg.com/2026/09/19/it-belongs-us-historian-celebrates-ruling-over-iowa-citys-state-historical-society/
There's a remarkable preservation project underway in Mt. Pleasant! The Second Baptist Church, located at 407 West Saunders in Mount Pleasant, is the oldest African American church in Iowa. The church was originally built as a Methodist church in 1843 at another location in the city. The church was moved to its present location about 1856 to make way for the construction of the Asbury Methodist church that opened in 1857. The African American congregation was established in 1863, and the building was initially used as a school for Black children as well as a church. After Mount Pleasant voluntarily integrated its schools in 1867, the building served solely as a church, in continuous use by the Black congregation for 146 years. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. So what's happening? Overtime, the foundation had become unstable so the building was lifted up so that a new foundation could be installed. And just last week, the concrete was poured into the forms. Next, the contractor will remove the forms so the walls can cure. The last step is to attach a wood sill to the top of the walls, and then the church will be lowered down and attached to the sill. This project will turn the building into a museum dedicated to and celebrating the rich African American history of Mount Pleasant. If you'd like to learn more, visit https://historicsecondbaptistmp.org/ #iowablackhistory #iowaarchitecture
If you don't already know about the preservation guidance available at the National Park Service, you'll want to check it out! NPS. has a handy A to Z index for about every preservation topic you'd need to know. Want to know about repointing brick? Check! Preservation of clay tile roofs? Got that covered! Converting schools to residential use? Yep! The link to the Preservation by Topic webpage is: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/preservation-by-topic.htm
This morning the Des Moines Register published this article about historic buildings being converted into housing and how these projects are critical to addressing Iowa's need for affordable housing. Hear, hear!
Legislative Update: Key Preservation Priorities on the Hill Thursday, September 17 1:00 pm CENTRAL The National Trust’s Government Relations team will break down the current legislative landscape, key preservation priorities, and what’s ahead. Whether you’re joining us on September 24 for Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. or simply want to make your voice heard, this briefing will help you advocate with greater clarity and impact. Can't make it live? Register anyway to receive the recording. Register here: https://savingplaces-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/1617860443479/WN_xips2slNSOKBzl6vVYTyRg#/registration
