Sioux City Historic Preservation Commission

05/24/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-painted-brick-looks-beautiful-europe-ugly-america-austin-tunnell-05yyc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via

People often say, “I hate when people paint brick! It ruins it.” But we’ve built some beautiful painted brick buildings at Building Culture.

05/15/2026

State Awards $28.1 Million for Historic Preservation Projects Across Iowa

May 14, 2026 (DES MOINES, IA) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced more than $28.1 million in awards through the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program to support the revitalization of eight historic properties in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Sioux City and Waterloo.

The most recent application round opened in early January, with IEDA receiving 18 applications requesting almost $39 million in tax credits. Projects were evaluated based on readiness, financing, and local support and participation.

“This program is about more than preserving buildings; it’s about bringing them back to life in ways that serve today’s communities,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “These projects create housing, support local businesses and help ensure these historic places remain part of Iowa’s story for generations to come.”

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program provides a state income tax credit to encourage the rehabilitation of historic buildings while maintaining the architectural features that make them significant. All work must meet The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

This round of awards will help transform historic buildings across Iowa, including:

Des Moines — Construction is underway to convert a former church, built in 1957 near the Iowa Capitol, into 18 studio apartments and an alternative school for homeless and nontraditional youth. Led by Starts Right Here, a local nonprofit organization, the project will preserve key architectural features.

Des Moines — The 14-story Carriers Building, constructed in 1981 and known as Two Ruan, will be converted from office space into 221 market-rate apartments with ground-floor restaurant space. Two Ruan is part of the downtown Ruan Center Complex, which also includes the 36-story Ruan Center — once Iowa’s tallest building — and was added to the National Register of Historic Places last year.

Sioux City — The vacant Crescent Park Elementary School, built in 1919, is being rehabilitated into 36 market-rate apartments. The project will preserve historic features while converting classrooms and offices into a mix of studio to four-bedroom units, addressing a need for quality housing on the city’s west side.

Waterloo — The long-vacant St. John’s Catholic Church and School, originally established in 1924 with a school addition completed in 1963, is being redeveloped into affordable housing and community-focused space. Plans include 19 apartment units in the school building, a child care facility in the lower-level gym and an event space in the former church.

The full list of projects include buildings in Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Dubuque as well as other projects in Des Moines.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is administered by IEDA. The next application round opens in June, with applications due in September.

For more information, visit iowaeda.com/historic-preservation-tax-credit/.

05/15/2026

BNC, LLC is receiving $1,669,376 to convert the former Crescent Park Elementary School into 36 market-rate apartments.

05/09/2026

Sioux City’s Historic Preservation Commission is seeking multiple grants to help fund the digitization of The Sioux City Tribune and historical city records.

05/09/2026

We had the pleasure of awarding the "Treasure of Sioux City Award" to Austin Foster (Sioux City Distilling Co) this afternoon! His dedication to restoring the historic Ogden Building is a fantastic example of the investment driving the continued rejuvenation of our West End. Congratulations, Austin!

Image 1: Amy Macfarland presenting the "Treasure of Sioux City Award"
Image 2: Several people who attended the "Treasure of Sioux City award event.
Image 3: Amy Macfarland presenting the "Treasure of Sioux City Award"
Image 4: Austin Foster discussing the renovation of the Ogden Building which is now Sioux City Distilling Co.
Image 5: Tom Munson talking about the brick used in the Ogden Building.
Image 6: Tom Munson talking about Talbot.
Image 7: Austin Foster talking about the future of Sioux City Distilling Co.
Image 8: The Treasure of Sioux City award in front of Sioux City Distilling Co spirts.
image 9: The Treasure of Sioux City award in front of Sioux City Distilling Co spirts
Image 10: The Treasure of Sioux City Award.

05/08/2026

We couldn't have asked for better weather or a better turnout for our brand-new West End Tour tonight! It was wonderful exploring the local history and hearing the stories behind these historic buildings. A huge thank you to Mr. Munson for sharing his expertise and research to make this event a success.

Image 1: Tom Munson starting the tour.
Image 2: Ogden Building now Sioux City Distilling Co
Image 3: Ogden Building now Sioux City Distilling Co
Image 4: Originally the Chesterman Company building which is now Palmer Candy.
Image 5: Originally the Chesterman Company building which is now Palmer Candy.
Image 6: A duplex home on Prospect Hill.
Image 7: Tom Munson giving the history of several houses on Prospect Hill.
Image 8: Haddock Memorial on the spot of John Arensdorf Brewery.
Image 9: Council Oak Supply Company.
Image 10: Old Bekins Moving and Storage Company Building.
Image 11: Old Bekins Moving and Storage Company Building.
Image 12: Old Bekins Moving and Storage Company Building.
Image 13: Old Bakery now Palmer Candy Company.
Image 14: Old Bakery now Palmer Candy Company.
Image 15: Looking East from Prospect Hill.
Image 16: Looking North from Prospect Hill.

05/07/2026

A couple of photos before tonights trivia contest at Sioux City Distilling Co. Thanks to everyone who came out.

Image 1: Entranceway to Sioux City Distilling.
Image 2: Old freight elevator electrical switch.
Image 3: Trivia prize table 1.
Image 4: Trivia prize table 2.
Image 5: Merchindise Room for Sioux City Distilling.
Image 6: Tasting Room in Sioux City Distilling.
Image 7: Tasting Room in Sioux City Distilling.
Image 8: Sioux City Distilling's Gin and Whiskey bottles.
Image 9: The Scale inside of the restored Sioux City Distilling.
Image 10: A staircase inside Sioux City Distilling.
Image 11: The Entranceway to Sioux City Distilling.
Image 12: Tasting room inside Sioux City Distilling.
Image 13: Distilling room inside Sioux City Distilling.
Image 14: The first legal Still in Sioux City.
Image 15: Sensory Room inside Sioux City Distilling.
Image 16: A small tour taking place inside Sioux City Distilling entranceway.

05/03/2026

Sioux City Distilling founder Austin Foster's efforts to preserve the Ogden Building during the distillery's construction has earned the 2026 Historic Preservation Week Treasure of Sioux City Award. Built in

05/03/2026

The neighborhood just west of Wesley Parkway will be spotlighted when the Sioux City Historic Preservation Commission celebrates Historic Preservation Week, May 4 - 9, with a series of fun and historical events.

01/23/2026

Historic preservation often comes with significant challenges, and the 2024 Big Sioux River flood was a historic challenge for the Sioux City Railroad Museum. The flood caused extensive damage to the Milwaukee Road Railroad Shops, a site that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

Last spring there was an Emergency Supplemental Grant program that was opened by the National Park Service, the Commission supported the Sioux City Railroad Museum’s application. Today, we are ecstatic that they announced that the Sioux City Railroad Museum has been awarded $1,925,980 from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

These funds will be instrumental in ongoing flood recovery efforts and will support the restoration of Engine GN # 1355, a project managed by the American Heartland Railroad Society. An achievement of this magnitude is a testament to the strength of our community. We extend our congratulations to the Siouxland Railroad Museum on this well-deserved award!