Historic Preservation Awards 2026 Announced

Published on April 30, 2026

AMES, Iowa – Recipients of the 2026 Historic Preservation Awards Program were recently honored by the Ames City Council at its meeting held on April 28. Three properties received awards.

The Ames Historic Preservation Commission’s Preservation Awards Program annually recognizes a variety of historic preservation activities that have been accomplished within Ames. The intent of the program is to encourage the continuation of preservation activities in the future, to assist in promoting historic preservation, and to educate the public about preservation’s cultural and economic benefits. Mayor John Haila presented the awards:

Award category of “Keeping the Past Alive (Preservation),” to the Ames United Church of Christ for preserving the long-standing church building at 217 Sixth St.

The award for “Keeping the Past Alive” (Preservation) focuses on the maintenance and repair of existing historic materials and retention of a property’s form as it has evolved over time. Keeping a historic building – one that has survived without detrimental changes or deterioration – in good condition by sustaining the existing form, integrity, and materials of an historic property.

The Ames United Church of Christ began in 1865 and is believed to be the oldest congregation in the community. The brick building was constructed in its original location in 1899 and opened to the public in 1900. The building has had two additions, one in 1930 and one in 1958. Both additions were carefully considered to ensure that all new construction was consistent with the property’s original architectural character.

The structure remains in excellent condition 126 years after its construction. It remains an outstanding example of preserving architecture and history and contributes to the historic fabric of Ames.

Award category of “Keeping the Past Alive (Preservation),” to Kathy Svec and Dorian Stripling for historic preservation of their single-family home at 603 Grand Ave.

“Keeping the Past Alive” (Preservation) focuses on the maintenance and repair of existing historic materials and retention of a property’s form as it has evolved over time. Keeping a historic building – one that has survived without detrimental changes or deterioration – in good condition by sustaining the existing form, integrity, and materials of an historic property.

This Queen Anne style house was constructed in 1894 by Charles and Sarah MeCaskey. The property originally sat on a large plot of land that became MeCaskey Subdivision in 1901.

The current homeowners, Kathy Svec and Dorian Stripling, moved in in 1986. They have undergone many projects over the years to preserve the 132-year old structure’s original form, integrity, and materials.

The owners have added a detached garage off the alley, repaired the chimney and windows, painted the structure, and preserved the structure through other routine maintenance. These new features were constructed in a manner that was sensitive to the architecture of the house and the neighboring properties.

Award category of “Crown Jewel of Ames (Restoration),” to Mimi Wagner for restoration of her single-family home at 723 Ninth St.

“Crown Jewel of Ames” (Restoration) Restoration accurately depicts the form, features, and character of a property at a particular period of time in its history, while removing evidence of other periods and reconstruction of missing features. This award is reserved for substantial projects with significant visual impacts.

This craftsman bungalow was constructed in 1923. Over the years, the property was altered, both on the exterior and interior. Mimi Wagner purchased the property in 2020 and began restoring the house to its original character. First, she focused on restoring and updating the interior of the single-family home when she took over in 2021. She then began exterior restorations in 2022 and continues improving the structure to this day.

The enclosed front porch, which was not an original feature or historically accurate for the property’s architectural style, was opened to match its original design and is historically accurate. Several other exterior projects include a garage renovation, and a storage shed that is architecturally compatible with the house and garage. During the shed project, Wagner restored salvaged windows and used them in the new construction.

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