Preservation in Practice: Leadership, Advocacy, and the Work Ahead

The past several weeks have brought steady work, meaningful engagement, and visible momentum.

If you’ve been following preservation conversations across Utah, you’ve likely seen how quickly issues related to development, reuse, and community character continue to unfold. The legislative session has been active, redevelopment proposals remain under discussion in multiple communities, and questions about how historic places are considered are showing up in real time.

Over the last month, we’ve been focused on doing what Preservation Utah does best: elevating voices, providing context, and supporting informed engagement when historic places are part of the conversation. As we move into March, that momentum continues.

Brandy

March 2026 Stewardship Report

Advocacy in Action

Throughout February, we actively tracked legislation that could impact historic places, planning processes, and community character. Many proposals do not explicitly mention preservation, yet carry long-term implications for older buildings and neighborhoods through changes to zoning, housing policy, infrastructure, or redevelopment incentives.

Earlier this year, our Advocacy Alert in support of saving the Cottonwood Old Mill demonstrated how informed engagement can shift conversations. Community members showed up, shared thoughtful perspectives, and helped shift the discussion's tone. It reinforced that when people are given clear information and meaningful opportunities to participate, their voices matter.

Advocacy Alerts continue to serve as an essential channel for staying connected as legislation moves forward and new resources are added.

Opening Nominations: Utah’s Most Endangered Places

As we move into March, we are opening nominations for the 2026 Utah Most Endangered Places List.

This list is one of Preservation Utah’s most visible advocacy tools. It brings attention to historic buildings, neighborhoods, and cultural landscapes facing significant threats—whether from demolition, neglect, or development pressure. By elevating these places publicly, we want to spark awareness, encourage creative solutions, and support communities working to protect what matters to them.

We encourage nominations from across the state and invite communities to help identify places at risk.

Learn more about the Most Endangered Lists, including those saved and lost. 

Recognizing Preservation Leadership

February also brought the review of nominations for the 2026 Community Stewardship Awards. Our jury convened to evaluate projects, organizations, businesses, and individuals whose work reflects care, creativity, and long-term commitment to Utah’s historic places.

The nominations this year reflect extraordinary dedication—from thoughtful rehabilitations to innovative adaptive reuse and enduring community leadership. The review process is rigorous and collaborative, and it serves as a powerful reminder that preservation in Utah is active, evolving, and deeply rooted in local communities.

We look forward to celebrating this year’s award recipients on April 28 at Memorial House.

60th Anniversary Engagement

As part of our 60th anniversary year, we are hosting 60th Anniversary Information Sessions to share our vision for the year ahead and outline opportunities for involvement. Everyone is invited to join on the date that works for them.

These sessions provide space to reflect on where we’ve been, highlight current advocacy and programming efforts, and invite broader participation in shaping what comes next.

A Busy Tour Season Ahead

At the same time, our staff and volunteers have been preparing for an exciting and full tour season.

Our Spring Historic Homes Tour along South Temple will take place on May 16, offering an in-depth look at one of Salt Lake City’s most architecturally significant corridors. Later this year, our Fall Historic Homes Tour will be held in Poplar Grove on October 17, highlighting neighborhood identity and west-side preservation stories.

In addition to these signature events, we are developing a lineup of additional tours and programs throughout the year. 

Please note: Governor Mansion Tours are on hold for 2026 while the construction project is completed. We will resume tours of the Governor's Mansion in 2027!

Leadership and Service

As we continue into this milestone year, we have opened applications for board service. Preservation Utah’s board plays an essential role in guiding strategy, strengthening statewide relationships, and stewarding the organization’s long-term vision. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to director@preservationutah.org 

Preservation takes many forms—policy work, recognition, education, celebration, and leadership—and we are grateful for the many ways you continue to show up for the places that matter.