Historic Preservation Leaders Honored for Transforming Iowa’s Built Environment

The Des Moines Heritage Trust recently held its annual awards dinner, celebrating the visionary leaders and transformative projects that are reshaping Iowa’s cultural landscape. During the event, held on May 14, 2026, at the Des Moines Heritage Center, the organization recognized individuals and developments that have successfully balanced modern functionality with the preservation of historic character.

Recognizing Excellence in Preservation

The awards program highlighted the significant impact of historic redevelopment on regional growth. Among the notable honorees was Bruce Gerleman, owner of Gerleman Management Corp., who received the Historic Preservation Hall of Fame award. This distinction recognizes a lifetime of dedication to preservation, a career path Gerleman began in 1981 after identifying the potential offered by federal tax credits for historic properties.

Throughout his career, Gerleman has been instrumental in the restoration of various historic mansions and key downtown landmarks, including the Martin Hotel and buildings along Court Avenue and Fourth Street. Ryan Francois, founder and CEO of Rally Cap Properties, was also honored with the Historic Preservation Champion Award. Francois was recognized for his extensive work restoring nearly 30 residential properties across the Drake, Waveland Park, and Sherman Hill neighborhoods.

Key Award Winners and Projects

The Trust acknowledged several projects for their commitment to adaptive reuse and historic integrity:

• Commercial Projects of the Year: Carpenter Paper Building (Tim Rypma), Ingersoll Dinner Theater (Connor Delaney), and the SHYFT Collective Building (DEV Partners).
• Residential Project of the Year: 2846 Forest Drive, recognized for the work of Cutler Construction.
• Adaptive Reuse Projects of the Year: Plant 1 Lofts Phase I in Newton (Christensen Development) and the Klein Building in Highland Park (Tim and Chloe Bratvold).

The Impact of Adaptive Reuse

The ceremony underscored the philosophy that historic preservation is more than just maintaining old structures; it is about creating a legacy. Tim Waddell, president of the Des Moines Heritage Trust Board, noted that the honorees demonstrate how preservation can turn iconic local landmarks into dynamic spaces that serve the community while honoring its heritage.

For developers like Francois, the work is often deeply personal and rooted in environmental stewardship. Beyond his restoration projects, he has invested in urban green spaces, including a garden project on High Street that incorporates natural timber structures and stone work.

Key Takeaways for Investors and Developers

• Economic Potential: Historic preservation remains a viable real estate strategy, often supported by federal and local tax incentives designed to encourage the rehabilitation of aging structures.
• Community Building: Successful projects often focus on adaptive reuse, which allows developers to breathe new life into dilapidated buildings while maintaining the architectural fabric of neighborhoods.
• Visionary Leadership: As demonstrated by this year’s Hall of Fame and Champion recipients, successful preservation requires a commitment to long-term community development rather than short-term gains.

As Des Moines continues to evolve, the efforts of these preservationists serve as a blueprint for how cities can honor their past while fostering the growth necessary for future generations. The Des Moines Heritage Trust remains a central figure in this ongoing dialogue, ensuring that the region’s architectural history continues to play a vital role in its modern economic and cultural success.