Nominations for Historic Preservation Awards are being Accepted

The annual Historic Preservation Awards are given jointly by the Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS) and the Dubuque Preservation Commission. The groups seek to award members of the community whose efforts showcase a desire to uphold Dubuque's architectural history.

The Historic Preservation Awards were started in 1975. Past honorees have been located in Cascade, Dubuque, Dyersville, Farley, Sherrill, and other communities within Dubuque County. Since the award's inception, over 200 homes and businesses have been recognized.

Historic properties in Dubuque County are eligible for the awards. To be considered, properties should be at least 50 years old and historic preservation work should have been completed during 2021. Properties will be reviewed using one or more of the following criteria:

• Exterior construction materials including fenestration (windows), etc.
• Architectural details appropriate to the original design of the building.
• Building improvements made with regard to sensitive restoration or original design
• Alterations or additions in keeping with the original structure and setting, or blending harmoniously with the original structure and setting.
• Compatibility of the color scheme.
• Adaptive reuse of a building that preserves the original architectural character.
• Appropriateness of the surrounding grounds to the original design of the building.

The committee will evaluate each nomination on its individual merit. In the case of rehabilitation of existing structures, awards will be given for outstanding examples in which the integrity of the historic structures is retained or restored and in which alterations or additions are appropriate and the historical context is respected.

Property owners can nominate their buildings, or nominations can be submitted on behalf of neighbors, friends, and others who have researched and thoughtfully restored historic property.

The winning properties will be honored at an awards ceremony as part of Dubuque Main Street's annual Architecture Days celebration. The deadline for nominations is February 25, 2022. Nominations should include the names of the owners, address, basic information about the restoration, historical significance of the property, and photos. Nominations can be submitted with photos by mail to Dubuque County Historical Society, attention Victoria Cote, 350 E 3^rd Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 or electronically to Victoria Cote at [email protected].