The Villages of Van Buren has been honored with the 2026 Rural Preservation Award from Preservation Iowa, according to a social media post from the organization.
The award was presented at Preservation Iowa’s Preservation at Its Best ceremony and recognizes the Villages for their work preserving the historic communities of Van Buren County. The recognition celebrates the collaborative preservation efforts between the Villages and the many partners, volunteers, museums, historical organizations, businesses, and community members working together to preserve and share the region’s rich heritage.
“Thank you to everyone helping keep our history alive,” the Villages wrote in their announcement. “Preserving our past. Strengthening our future. Thank you for being part of the journey.”
The Preservation at Its Best Awards have recognized outstanding historic preservation achievements across Iowa since 1996, often referred to as the “Oscars” of the Iowa historic preservation community. Award categories span residential, commercial, public, sustainability, adaptive use, and rural preservation projects, reflecting the diversity of Iowa’s historic resources. The Rural Preservation category specifically honors the preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of Iowa’s rural landscape, heritage, and built environment. Additional special awards recognize exceptional community collaboration, innovative solutions, and individual preservationists whose commitment has made a lasting impact.
Preservation Iowa established the program to highlight exemplary projects that safeguard and revitalize the state’s historic resources while celebrating the creativity, skill, and dedication of property owners, architects, developers, and community leaders. By honoring these achievements, the organization aims to inspire broader public engagement in preserving Iowa’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Award-winning projects recognized through the program often go beyond preservation alone, demonstrating how historic resources can be thoughtfully repurposed and reintegrated into their communities. Many contribute to local economic growth by revitalizing housing, supporting local businesses, and drawing people back to historic downtowns and neighborhoods — fostering community pride and encouraging further preservation efforts in the process.
Nominations for the Preservation at Its Best Awards are typically solicited during the winter months, with submissions due in early April. Award recipients are announced in June as part of the statewide Preserve Iowa Summit.
