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
The President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Request proposes to eliminate nearly all funding for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), preserving only a limited allocation for grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This proposal would slash the HPF annual budget to just $11 million, a cut by nearly 95 percent. This marks the second consecutive year the Administration has proposed a near-elimination of the HPF. In FY 2026, Congress rejected a similar proposal on a bipartisan basis—recognizing the essential role the HPF plays in supporting communities nationwide. We urge Congress to once again stand strong in support of this critical program. If enacted, this FY 2027 proposal would effectively dismantle the nation’s core preservation infrastructure. The HPF supports State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and funds a range of impactful competitive grant programs—placing historic places and the communities they serve at serious risk. To demonstrate the reach and value of this federal investment, the National Trust’s Government Relations team developed 51 Projects for Preservation: The Historic Preservation Fund Across the United States. This resource highlights one preservation project in every state and the District of Columbia, showcasing how HPF funding drives historic rehabilitation, community revitalization, economic development, and the preservation of underrepresented histories. At a time when the FY 2027 budget proposal again calls for eliminating nearly all HPF funding, this resource underscores what is at stake. We encourage advocates to share these stories with members of Congress and help make the case for sustained federal investment in historic preservation. The HPF remains a cornerstone of the nation’s preservation initiatives, empowering communities to protect and activate places that matter. This year marks both the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the HPF, as well as the nation’s 250th anniversary. The HPF is an active commitment by the federal government to protecting and illuminating America's rich history and has invested more than $2 billion in communities since its inception. Continued support for the HPF is essential to preserving America’s heritage, strengthening local economies, and ensuring these stories endure for future generations. Contact your elected officials today and urge them to support robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund. https://www.house.gov/representatives https://www.senate.gov/states/IA/intro.htm
Preservation Iowa is sad to share the news of Harry Budd's death. Harry was the retired Director of Project Planning at the Iowa Department of Transportation. Harry did so much to honor Iowa's history while planning the state's transportation projects, working with Iowa's tribes and preserving the state's bridges. https://www.adamssoderstrum.com/obituaries/Harry-Smith-Budd?obId=48016377#:~:text=Harry%20Smith%20Budd%2C%20age%2089,posted%20at%20a%20later%20date.&text=Sharing%20helps%20friends%20and%20family%20stay%20connected%20and%20offer%20support.
The Jackson County Historic Preservation Commission cordially invites you to attend our FREE preservation program and tour on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Potter’s Mill Event Center in Bellevue, Iowa. #gristmill #IowaHistory #iowahistory #iowahistorydaily #iowahistorycalendar #silosandsmokestacksnationalheritagearea
Preservation Iowa has extended its deadline for Preservation at Its Best nominations!!! These are the "Oscars awards" for preservation in Iowa! Apply to get accolades for your hard work and successful projects. Nominations are now due April 15, 2026. We are looking for nominations in the following categories: Residential Rehabilitation (Single/Multi-Family) – Rehabilitation and continued use of single-family homes as well as multi-family residences. Commercial Rehabilitation (Small and Large) – Rehabilitation of a historic commercial building. Nominations accepted in two categories: small (under 5,000 total sq) and large (5,000 or more total sq). Adaptive Reuse – Conversion of a historic structure for a new or compatible use while retaining its architectural integrity. This category includes any mixed-use project. Public/Non-Profit Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation of a publicly/government/non-profit owned building. Maurice Losey Sacred Place – Rehabilitation/restoration/reuse of a sacred site, ground, space, place of religious assembly, such as a church, synagogue, mosque, or other related property. Rural Preservation – Preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of the Iowa rural landscape, heritage, or built environment. Sustainability in Preservation – Incorporation of sustainable practices into the rehabilitation of a historic building. The project does not need to be LEED certified, but should demonstrate how it illustrates sustainable practices. Special Projects – Films, Books, Websites, Podcasts, Plays, etc. that tell Iowa’s stories and promote the preservation of Iowa’s historic resources. Community Effort Award – A community’s concerted effort to preserve, protect, and/or promote a historic building, structure, district, site, or cultural resource. Martha Hayes Preservationist of the Year Award – Individual or group that has championed historic preservation planning, policy, or activities in Iowa. Paula Mohr Certified Local Government of the Year Award – Honors invaluable contributions by an individual or organization to Iowa’s CLG Program and to historic preservation locally, statewide, regionally, and nationally. Nominations are now due April 15, 2026. The Preservation at Its Best Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in historic preservation across Iowa. Each year, Preservation Iowa recognizes individuals, organizations, projects, and communities whose work demonstrates outstanding commitment to historic preservation. By honoring these achievements, the organization aims to inspire others to take meaningful action to protect, restore, and promote Iowa’s historic resources, fostering a broader culture of preservation throughout the state. Award-winning preservation projects often do more than celebrate preserved historic buildings – they demonstrate how these resources can be thoughtfully repurposed and reintegrated into their communities. By revitalizing housing, supporting local businesses, and drawing people back to downtowns and neighborhoods, these projects boost local economies while fostering community pride. They also inspire further preservation efforts, ensuring that Iowa’s rich heritage remains a vibrant and accessible part of everyday life. Award recipients are announced in June, at the statewide Preserve Iowa Summit in Ankeny, providing a high-profile platform to recognize exemplary preservation work and inspire others to engage in preservation efforts. By submitting a nomination, you help shine a spotlight on important preservation work in Iowa, celebrating the dedication, creativity, and impact of those who protect and revitalize the state’s historic resources.
Nominations for Preservation at Its Best Awards#iowapreservation #iowabarn #iowaarchitecture #IowaHistory #iowahistory #iowaaia
Send in your award nomination today! Nominations are due April 1, 2026. Preservation Iowa is looking for nominations in the following categories: Residential Rehabilitation (Single/Multi-Family) – Rehabilitation and continued use of single-family homes as well as multi-family residences. Commercial Rehabilitation (Small and Large) – Rehabilitation of a historic commercial building. Nominations accepted in two categories: small (under 5,000 total sq) and large (5,000 or more total sq). Adaptive Reuse – Conversion of a historic structure for a new or compatible use while retaining its architectural integrity. This category includes any mixed-use project. Public/Non-Profit Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation of a publicly/government/non-profit owned building. Maurice Losey Sacred Place – Rehabilitation/restoration/reuse of a sacred site, ground, space, place of religious assembly, such as a church, synagogue, mosque, or other related property. Rural Preservation – Preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of the Iowa rural landscape, heritage, or built environment. Sustainability in Preservation – Incorporation of sustainable practices into the rehabilitation of a historic building. The project does not need to be LEED certified, but should demonstrate how it illustrates sustainable practices. Special Projects – Films, Books, Websites, Podcasts, Plays, etc. that tell Iowa’s stories and promote the preservation of Iowa’s historic resources. Community Effort Award – A community’s concerted effort to preserve, protect, and/or promote a historic building, structure, district, site, or cultural resource. Martha Hayes Preservationist of the Year Award – Individual or group that has championed historic preservation planning, policy, or activities in Iowa. Paula Mohr Certified Local Government of the Year Award – Honors invaluable contributions by an individual or organization to Iowa’s CLG Program and to historic preservation locally, statewide, regionally, and nationally. Nominations are due April 1, 2026. The Preservation at Its Best Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in historic preservation across Iowa. Each year, Preservation Iowa recognizes individuals, organizations, projects, and communities whose work demonstrates outstanding commitment to historic preservation. By honoring these achievements, the organization aims to inspire others to take meaningful action to protect, restore, and promote Iowa’s historic resources, fostering a broader culture of preservation throughout the state. Award-winning preservation projects often do more than celebrate preserved historic buildings – they demonstrate how these resources can be thoughtfully repurposed and reintegrated into their communities. By revitalizing housing, supporting local businesses, and drawing people back to downtowns and neighborhoods, these projects boost local economies while fostering community pride. They also inspire further preservation efforts, ensuring that Iowa’s rich heritage remains a vibrant and accessible part of everyday life. Award recipients are announced in June, at the statewide Preserve Iowa Summit in Ankeny, providing a high-profile platform to recognize exemplary preservation work and inspire others to engage in preservation efforts. By submitting a nomination, you help shine a spotlight on important preservation work in Iowa, celebrating the dedication, creativity, and impact of those who protect and revitalize the state’s historic resources.
Nominations for Preservation at Its Best Awards#iowapreservation #iowabarn #iowaarchitecture
https://www.kwqc.com/2026/03/24/davenport-schools-discuss-demolition-2-100-year-old-buildings/?outputType=amp
