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
Congratulations to the 2026 “Adaptive Reuse” Preservation at Its Best Award winner, the McKee Button Company! The McKee Button Company building was constructed in 1907 as the McKee and Bliven Button Company factory. It served as the company’s headquarters and primary manufacturing facility until operations ceased in 2019, representing more than 110 years of continuous industrial use. The property is nationally significant for its association with the freshwater pearl button industry, which was centered in Muscatine from the late nineteenth century through the mid twentieth century. At its peak, Muscatine produced the majority of freshwater pearl buttons used in the United States, supplying garment manufacturers nationwide and earning recognition as the “Pearl Button Capital of the World.” Architecturally, the building is a three story, load bearing brick industrial structure designed in the Late Victorian / Romanesque Revival style. Character defining features include arched window openings, decorative brick pilasters, parapets, and symmetrical massing. The structure combines a heavy masonry exterior with an interior timber post and beam framing system, reflecting advanced early twentieth century industrial engineering. Today, it remains the most complete and significant surviving resource associated with the freshwater pearl button industry in the United States. The Property was rehabilitated by by KENT Worldwide for office spaces. Architect Christopher Wolf of Design Shive-Hattery of Valparaiso, IN and Historic Preservation Consultant Rebecca McCarley of Cedar Rapids, IA assisted with this project. Congratulations to everyone involved with the McKee Button Company for winning the 2026 Adaptive Reuse award! Photo credits: Frank Grossheim, Russell Construction, Paragon Interiors.
Just a few more photographs from Tuesday evening's reception during the Preserve Iowa Summit. We look forward to seeing you all at the next Summit!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Tuesday evening's reception during the Preserve Iowa Summit. We also want to thank our sponsor Hildreth Construction Services with additional support from Hartman Spiller Architecture & Interiors. Ryan Riley, photographer from Ames, photographed everyone having fun and deep conversations about preservation in Iowa!
We at Preservation Iowa had a great time at the Preserve Iowa Summit this week! Congratulations to the State Historic Preservation Office for putting together such an informative program. And the board of directors got to meet in person which was a bonus! Keep an eye on our Facebook page in the coming days. We'll be rolling out awards announcements and photos from our Tuesday evening reception.
On May 21, 2026, the National Park Service listed the Samuel D. Butters House (1875) in Prairie City (Jasper County) in the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance. The property is a rare and well-preserved example of the Italianate style in Prairie City and surrounding Jasper County. The house has characteristic Italianate elements of a low-pitched hipped roof; wide overhanging eaves with decorative brackets; tall, narrow segmental arch windows with cast stone hood mouldings; and a central hall floor plan. The house was designed by Iowa architect William Foster who was one of Iowa’s most prolific and influential architects of the late 19th century and who shaped the civic and institutional landscape of the state through a wide range of public and private commissions throughout his four-decade career. The Butters House contributes to the understanding of Foster's residential commissions and the stylistic evolution of his career. Congratulations Prairie City!
Looking forward to the Preserve Iowa Summit starting tomorrow. Preservation Iowa is hosting the opening evening reception food, drink, and conversation about historic preservation! There's still time to register at https://web.cvent.com/event/15fb3f27-c3e4-4975-9570-c3263f2ee0cd/summary Special thanks to the premier event sponsor, Hildreth Construction Services. Support also provided by TNT Tuckpointing and Hartman Spiller Architecture & Interiors.
