June 22, 2026 (DES MOINES, IA) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s State Historic Preservation Office has awarded $750,000 in Iowa Rural Heritage Revitalization Grants to support the rehabilitation of eight historic properties in Atlantic, Beaconsfield, Bentonsport, Fairfield, Fort Dodge, Harcourt, Lime Springs and Wapello.
Funded through the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program, the grants will help preserve historic properties in rural Iowa. The funding marks Iowa’s first award through the competitive federal program since 2020. “Historic buildings help tell the story of a community, but they’re also part of its future,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. “By investing in their preservation, we’re helping communities create opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors while keeping these places active and relevant for future generations.”
Grants of up to $150,000 were awarded for preservation work at properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The State Historic Preservation Office received 13 applications requesting more than $1.4 million, nearly twice the funding available. Five of this year’s grant recipients include:
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Depot, Atlantic — Repairs will address water infiltration and masonry deterioration, including brick replacement, tuck-pointing, window stabilization and restoration of damaged interior walls. Listed on the National Register in 1994, the depot helped drive Atlantic’s growth as a railroad hub and today houses the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and a community event venue. The project applicant, ARISE will receive $71,609 to conduct repairs.
Former Beaconsfield Supply Store, Beaconsfield — Rehabilitation will preserve the building that housed the first Hy-Vee store, now one of the Midwest’s largest supermarket chains. A longtime commercial and community hub, the building was listed on the National Register in 2007 and was among Preservation Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties in 2021. The landmark will be restored for continued community use. The City of Beaconsfield is receiving $150,000 for the project.
Former Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fort Dodge — Critical roof and drainage repairs will help stabilize the vacant church and prevent further deterioration. Designed by noted Iowa architect William L. Steele, the Romanesque Revival church served the community for nearly a century before closing in 2019. Listed on the National Register in 2022, it was later named among Preservation Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties in 2025.
Harcourt Community Center, Harcourt —Replacement of the historic barrel roof will address water intrusion and preserve the gymnasium of the former Harcourt Consolidated School, a 1942 Works Progress Administration building recently listed on the National Register. Built through a federal program that employed Americans during the Great Depression, the landmark remains a community hub for sports, events and gatherings.
Lidtke Mill Complex, Lime Springs — Restoration of the water-powered grist mill will stabilize the structure, repair the dam’s raceway and intake gate, restore the main turbine and repair deteriorated interior supports. Listed on the National Register in 1977, the mill is one of Iowa’s last intact water-powered mills and retains its original equipment. The project will preserve the site for education, tourism and recreation along the Upper Iowa River.
The Iowa Rural Heritage Revitalization Grant supports preservation projects in communities with fewer than 50,000 residents and outside urbanized areas. Eligible applicants included nonprofit organizations, local and county governments and federally recognized tribal councils in Iowa.
Projects are required to provide a 30% cash match, comply with federal historic preservation requirements and follow The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. All funded projects must be completed by July 31, 2027.
Previous Iowa Rural Heritage Revitalization Grants have helped preserve historic properties across the state, including the Inn at Motor Mill near Elkader, the Winneshiek County Courthouse in Decorah, Creston’s Restored Depot, the Keokuk Union Depot and Muscatine’s historic Japanese Garden.
See the full list of awarded projects.
