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
Sometimes a historic building just needs some paint! Check out this grant opportunity! The deadline is Feb. 12.
1st Property To Be Announced 2026 MOST ENDANGERED PROPERTY Holliwell Covered Bridge, Madison County Spanning the Middle River near Winterset, the Holliwell Covered Bridge is one of five remaining original covered bridges in Madison County. The bridge was completed in 1880 by Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster at a time when timber truss bridges were practical and economical in areas where wood was plentiful. Having a roof and sides slowed the deterioration of the timber framework extending its lifetime. At 110 feet, the Holliwell Bridge is the longest of the extant Madison County covered bridges. It remains in its original location and carried vehicular traffic until the mid-1980s. The bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Today, the Holliwell Bridge is a reminder of an era of wooden bridges before the widespread use of iron. Madison County’s famous covered bridges, including the Holliwell, draw thousands of tourists each year. The Holliwell Bridge was also a filming location for the 1995 movie The Bridges of Madison County. Lacking substantial maintenance since the mid-1990s, the bridge’s structural integrity has become compromised. The deteriorating truss members are causing the bridge to lean, and decay and erosion are taking its toll on the bridge’s roof, floor beam supports and abutments. Without repair, the bridge will likely have to be closed to the public within the next 10 years. The covered bridges are owned by Madison County and maintained by the Secondary Roads Department which is responsible for the upkeep of over 220 bridges leaving limited resources for the maintenance of a non-vehicular bridge. Over the past few years, the County has sought to find alternative funding for repairs to the bridge but has not yet been successful.
A special alert for Iowa preservationists! The NAPC FORUM will be in Minneapolis this coming July. NAPC offers conference scholarships as well as an opportunity to nominate someone or a project for an award. NAPC is offering an informational webinar on Feb. 5 about these opportunities. Register here for the webinar: https://www.bigmarker.com/national-alliance-of-preserv/explore-napc-s-2026-awards-and-forum-scholars-program Participants are encouraged to review program details in advance and submit questions when registering or ask them live during the webinar: Commission Excellence Awards Nomination: https://www.napcommissions.org/awards FORUM Scholars Program Application: https://forum.napcommissions.org/scholars We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 5 at 1:00 pm EST. Please forward this invitation to friends or colleagues you think may be interested! Please note that attendance at this informational webinar is not required to participate in either program, but we hope you’ll join us for this helpful overview.
IT’S TIME! 2026 MOST ENDANGERED PROPERTIES DESIGNATIONS!! STAY TUNED! WE'LL ANNOUNCE ONE PROPERTY EACH DAY BEGINNING TOMORROW! For over 30 years, the Most Endangered Properties program has been educating Iowans about the special buildings and sites that are gradually slipping away from us.
175 years of history in Crawford County!
Preservation Iowa invites you to nominate your project or favorite preservationist/organization for a Preservation at Its Best Award! 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, typically as part of the statewide Preserve Iowa Summit, 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. Information about how to nominate is at: https://preservationiowa.org/programs/preservation-at-its-best-awards/nominate-a-property/
