Garst Farmhouse at Whiterock Conservancy, Preservation Iowa’s 2019 “Preservation at its Best”
2019 Preservation at its Best Award Winner: Rural Preservation
The Historic Garst Farm House, owned by Whiterock Conservancy, is a visible reminder of the agricultural innovations Roswell Garst introduced, which changed the course of farming in Iowa and the world. In 1959, during the height of the Cold War, Garst hosted Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev at the Garst family farm. The visit not only helped open conversations about worldwide agricultural practices but also eased some of the tension of the Cold War. Under the guidance of RDG Planning & Design, the home was carefully restored to its 1959 condition.
Preservation Iowa’s two most visible programs are Iowa’s Most Endangered and Preservation at Its Best. These two programs work well together because being listed as Most Endangered often times leads to awareness, a preservation effort, and a high-quality, award winning project.
The full list of Preservation Iowa’s 2019 Preservation at its Best award winners includes:
- Wilkins Building (Des Moines)
- Daniel Brothers Super Service Station (Des Moines)
- Harbach Lofts (Des Moines)
- Monroe Place (Cedar Rapids)
- Siouxland Historical Railroad Association (Sioux City)
- Woodbury County Courthouse Website (Sioux City)
- Fort Des Moines Rehabilitation (Des Moines)
- State of Iowa Capitol Dome Restoration (Des Moines)
- Garst Farmhouse (Coon Rapids)
- 2019 Preservationist of the Year: John R. Snapp
