Aug. 19, 2026
Award presented during FORUM 2026 in Minneapolis recognizes excellence in local historic preservation
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) recognized outstanding achievements in local historic preservation during its Commission Excellence Awards Celebration held Saturday, July 25, at FORUM 2026: Preservation Currents, the organization’s biennial conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Commission Excellence Awards celebrate preservation commissions and individuals whose leadership, innovation, and dedication are advancing historic preservation in communities across the country.
The evening’s highest honor, the 2026 Commission of the Year Award, was presented to the Viroqua Historic Preservation Commission in recognition of its extraordinary leadership in using historic preservation to strengthen community identity, support economic revitalization, and inspire long-term stewardship of historic resources.
For nearly three decades, the Viroqua Historic Preservation Commission has demonstrated how preservation can serve as a catalyst for community revitalization. Since its establishment in 1996, the commission has designated 33 local landmarks and helped shape the city’s identity by preserving the places that tell Viroqua’s story.
Among its most notable accomplishments was the rehabilitation of the historic Hotel Fortney. After designating the long-neglected property as a local landmark in 2013, the commission spent more than a decade working to identify a partner committed to restoring the building. Reopened in 2023, the hotel now serves as a cornerstone of downtown Viroqua, supporting continued economic investment and community vitality.
The commission has also led efforts to preserve the city’s historic WPA-era bathhouse, bringing together local partners to raise more than $700,000 for its rehabilitation. Once complete, the building will serve as a community welcome center, connecting residents and visitors to Viroqua’s rich history.
In 2026, the commission further demonstrated its leadership by developing and adopting a citywide Historic Preservation Plan that establishes a long-term vision for protecting historic resources while supporting economic development, sustainability, and community identity.
Rather than limiting its work to regulatory responsibilities, the Viroqua Historic Preservation Commission has become a trusted community leader, bringing together government officials, nonprofit organizations, business leaders, and residents to demonstrate how preservation can create meaningful and lasting change.
Founded in 1983, the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) helps build strong local preservation programs and leaders through education, training, and advocacy. NAPC supports thousands of local historic preservation commissioners, staff members, and preservation professionals nationwide through training, technical assistance, publications, and its biennial FORUM conference. For more information, visit www.napcommissions.org.
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