The Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission’s annual awards recognize projects that do more than preserve buildings—they help sustain the city’s sense of place, reinforce neighborhood character, and demonstrate how thoughtful rehabilitation can generate long-term physical, social, and economic value.
Presented on May 18 at the Grand Rapids Public Library’s Ryerson Auditorium, the 2026 Historic Preservation Awards brought together city officials, preservation advocates, and project teams for a ceremony led by City Commissioner Milinda Ysasi and Commission Chair Matt Dixon. The event highlighted five projects that reflect a range of preservation work across Grand Rapids—from large-scale industrial rehabilitation to neighborhood-focused restoration efforts.
The awards are part of the Historic Preservation Commission’s ongoing work to support stewardship of the city’s historic resources. While the Commission’s role is often associated with review and design guidance, the annual awards offer a public-facing opportunity to recognize projects that exemplify those principles in action: retaining historic fabric where possible, making thoughtful interventions where necessary, and sustaining the character of places that contribute to Grand Rapids’ sense of continuity…