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
ACT TODAY: You may have heard about the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (permitting reform bill) that the Senate will consider next week. This bill will have a devastating effect on cultural and historic resources across the country. It makes public comment optional. Tribal leaders, local elected officials, and the public would be in the dark about federal projects until it’s too late. Senator Schiff has proposed an amendment to remove Title III from the bill which has the especially damaging language for historic preservation. Twenty-three senators have signed on to this amendment but we need 51 for it to pass. Please call Ernst and Grassley’s offices today (Friday) with this message: “Hi, my name is [name], and I live in [County]. I’m calling to ask the Senator to support removing Title III, the historic preservation section, from S. 5653. Communities like mine depend on having a say before federal projects affect the places we care about. Thank you.” Des Moines offices Grassley (515) 288-1145 Ernst (515) 284-4574 Cedar Rapids offices Grassley (319) 363-6832 Ernst (319) 365-4504 Barn in Audubon County, Carol Highsmith, photographer. Library of Congress.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes the State Theatre in Washington, Iowa for the history made there. Learn more here: https://savingplaces.org/stories/six-main-street-america-communities-where-national-history-was-made?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=weekly Want to learn more about Iowa's movie theatres? Check out Preservation Iowa's webpage here: https://preservationiowa.org/property-types/movie-theaters/
Call your senators NOW! Ask them to support Senator Schiff's amendment to remove Title III from the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA). Grassley (Cedar Rapids office) 319-363-6832 Ernst (Cedar Rapids office) 319-365-4504 https://savingplaces.org/section106
It is important, more than ever, to call Senators Grassley and Ernst about this bill.
HOPE Crew Coffee Conversations: Historic Masonry Tuesday, November 17 2:00-3:00 p.m. Central Take a break from your daily grind, grab a hot beverage, and join the National Trust’s HOPE (Hands-On Preservation Experience) Crew for the first in a new series that hands the mic to preservation trades experts. Our inaugural webinar focuses on historic masonry. Two masons will each share a recent project, walking through the details and challenges of the work, then come together for a conversation about the past and future of the trades. Register for this free webinar here: https://savingplaces-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/9717930261823/WN_jhAyukHHSKqLb__mR7yKFQ#/registration
