Chicago Construction News staff writer
Free tickets are now available for the 2026 Chicago Preservation Expo, an annual event connecting residents with experts and organizations involved in protecting the city’s historic buildings.
Hosted by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, the expo brings together city staff, community and non-profit groups, professional service providers and trades specialists working in historic preservation.
The event is held in conjunction with National Historic Preservation Month and is aimed at helping Chicagoans learn about resources, projects and opportunities related to preserving the city’s built heritage.
At last year’s expo, held May 18 at the Chicago Cultural Center, attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with preservation professionals and organizations.
The department also presented the 26th annual Preservation Excellence Awards on behalf of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. The awards recognize outstanding restoration and preservation efforts across the city, including both individual landmarks and projects within designated historic districts.
Award recipients are selected by the commission’s Permit Review Committee and highlight a range of work showcasing best practices in preservation.
Television personality Ana Belaval served as emcee for the awards ceremony, which took place at the Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater.
Details on the 2026 expo, including registration, are available here.
