Rock Island Preservation Society

Each year in celebration of National Historic Preservation Month in May, the Rock Island Preservation Society (RIPS) presents Historic Preservation Awards and Certificates of Recognition. The awards and certificates are presented to individuals, groups or businesses who have made special efforts to preserve or restore historic structures in our community or whose actions have served to support historic preservation in Rock Island. Projects honored must have been completed by the end of the previous calendar year.

We understand that to undertake the task of genuine preservation is indeed a challenge and those who accept that challenge and perform the task well, should be heartily and publicly commended.

To qualify for an award or recognition, a structure may be:

• a residential, commercial, religious or public building,
• in the city limits of Rock Island,
• 50 years old or more

The society shall consider for recognition a person or persons who have saved an historic structure from being destroyed or defaced, accomplished a major restoration or renovation of an historic structure, or by example or by special efforts, furthered the ideals of historic preservation in Rock Island.

When reviewing a project for an award, Rock Island Preservation Society uses the following definitions:

• Restoration: an improvement project to an historic structure that endeavors to preserve, restore, and/or reconstruct historic architectural detail, building materials, and craftsmanship.
• Renovation: an improvement project to an historic structure that is properly respectful of the historic detail but has had modifications made that were necessary to make the structure more useable, comply with building codes, or make the project economically feasible.
• Remodeling: alterations made to a structure that is not respectful of historic detail. Modifications made that mimic restoration, when genuine renovations or restoration could have been achieved.

Only projects that meet the criteria of restoration or renovation will be eligible for consideration. Maintenance projects such as painting alone, will not be eligible for consideration. Nominated projects and persons will be reviewed at our regular membership meeting in March. Honorees will be recognized in May.

If you know of a preservation project or a special person who should be considered for an award or certificate of recognition, please send us the address of the building and a description of the project or advocacy activities. Send us an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail the information to Rock Island Preservation Society, PO Box 3261, Rock Island, IL 61204-3261. Nominations must be received no later than March 1, 2012  for the 2012  awards.