National Trust Honors 2026 Preservation Leaders in Washington

The awards program, now in its sixty-sixth year, highlights a diverse range of achievements, from the adaptive reuse of industrial landmarks to the restoration of historic civic spaces. Brent Leggs, CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, noted that these recipients demonstrate how preservation can revitalize communities and drive economic opportunity. The honors included the prestigious Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award, presented to Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation, for her extensive contributions to American cultural life.

Projects recognized for their innovative approaches include the San Diego County Administration Center, which underwent a massive seismic upgrade, and the American Lofts at Silo City in Buffalo, which repurposed an abandoned grain complex into residential units. Other honorees ranged from the Oregon Supreme Court’s earthquake-resistant rehabilitation to the community-driven restoration of the San Antonio Missions’ historic waterways. Organizations such as Historic New England and Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. were also lauded for their long-term stewardship of regional sites and New Deal history, underscoring the vital role of public-private partnerships in protecting American stories.