Chicago Construction News staff writer
Landmarks Illinois is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards, an annual program recognizing outstanding efforts to preserve, restore and revitalize historic places across the state.
Nominations are due June 1, 2026, and must be submitted online. The awards highlight projects and individuals that contribute to protecting Illinois’ built heritage while supporting broader community goals.
“Our annual award winners do more than save old buildings — they transform places of our past to boost economic development and tackle our most pressing modern challenges, such as housing access and climate change mitigation,” said Bonnie McDonald, president and CEO of Landmarks Illinois. “As we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is especially important to honor those preserving the places and inclusive stories that highlight Illinois’ role in our nation’s history.”
Nine winners are selected each year, with recipients announced in the summer and honoured at a public ceremony in Chicago in the fall.
Awards are presented across several categories, including advocacy, leadership, rehabilitation, restoration, stewardship and environmental sustainability. The program recognizes a broad range of preservation work, from adaptive reuse of historic buildings to community engagement initiatives and the integration of green building technologies.
One project or individual will also receive the Richard H. Driehaus Legacy Award, named in honour of Richard H. Driehaus. The late philanthropist championed historic preservation as a catalyst for economic and social renewal, and his foundation has supported the awards program since 1994.
Eligible nominations must involve projects or individuals located in Illinois. Projects must have been completed within the past five years, although phased developments may be considered if the nominated portion is complete. Properties do not need official landmark designation but should hold recognized cultural, architectural or historical value within their communities.
There is no fee to submit a nomination. Entries may be made on behalf of others, including without a nominee’s knowledge, and self-nominations are also permitted. Previous submissions that were not selected can be revised and resubmitted.
A jury of preservation professionals will review all submissions, with an emphasis on projects that align with Landmarks Illinois’ broader goals of advancing preservation as a tool for community development and sustainability.
