National Trust Awards Eight Projects for Historic Preservation
News related to:National Trust for Historic Preservation · 2 min read
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The National Trust for Historic Preservation has honored eight exceptional projects and individuals with its 2026 National Preservation Awards during the first National Preservation Summit in Washington, D.C. The awards, established over six decades ago, recognize outstanding contributions to historic preservation that enrich communities and protect cultural heritage.
Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, a renowned poet, scholar, and cultural advocate, received the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award. As the president of the Mellon Foundation, Alexander has been a leading voice in the arts, culture, and humanities. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People.
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award was given to three projects. The County of San Diego's renovation of the 315,000-square-foot County Administration Center stands out as a significant civic achievement. Completed in 2026, the renovation preserved a Great Depression-era landmark and ensured its continued use as the administrative center of County governance.
American Lofts at Silo City in Buffalo, New York, was another recipient. This project transformed an industrial facility into 168 residential units, providing a model for adaptive reuse in cities facing the challenge of aging industrial infrastructure. The project leveraged historic tax credits and affordable housing financing to create a sustainable and inclusive community.
The Oregon Supreme Court Rehabilitation in Salem, Oregon, received the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award. The building, meticulously rehabilitated, is now one of only two LEED Gold-certified historic base-isolated buildings in the nation. This project showcased advanced engineering and design to preserve historic materials while ensuring earthquake resistance.
The National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation went to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Through a collaborative effort involving the National Park Service, youth-serving AmeriCorps programs, and local supporters, the park has preserved historic acequias and mission farmlands, contributing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site's integrity.
Historic New England, the nation’s oldest and largest regional preservation organization, was honored with the Trustees' Award for Organizational Excellence. Founded in 1910, the organization has preserved 38 diverse historic properties and maintained a significant collection of material culture and historic archives.
Arthurdale Heritage, Inc., received the Trustees' Emeritus Award for Historic Site Stewardship. For over four decades, the organization has restored and maintained the nation's first New Deal homestead community, transforming it into a vibrant heritage campus that connects visitors to the site's history.
National Trust Advisors, celebrating their 60th year of service, were awarded the John H. Chafee Trustees' Award for Excellence in Public Policy. The Advisors have been influential in shaping preservation policy and enhancing the National Trust for Historic Preservation's impact nationwide.
These awards highlight the diverse and impactful ways in which historic preservation can revitalize communities, enhance economic opportunities, and protect cultural heritage. The National Trust for Historic Preservation continues to champion these efforts, ensuring that the stories of America's past are preserved for future generations.