Award Recipients
2026 Historic Preservation Awards
The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation is thrilled to announce the recipients of its Historic Preservation Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to preservation in Madison, Wisconsin. These awards reflect the Madison Trust's commitment to preserving the rich history and cultural identity of Madison. The award recipients have demonstrated exceptional dedication to preservation, aligning with the Madison Trust's mission to promote awareness and appreciation of local heritage. The awards recognize the importance of community participation in preservation efforts and highlight the impact of preservation on Madison's architectural legacy. The recipients have made significant contributions to preservation, serving as a model for others to follow in preserving the city's unique heritage.
We hope you’ll join us on May 14 at The Memorial Union to learn more about the nominees and celebrate these special people, projects and organizations.
Henry Fauerbach House
Award: Restoration
The 1902 Henry Fauerbach House was carefully restored after decades of deterioration and alteration as a multi-family rooming house. Removal of later siding revealed original cedar clapboard, much of which was preserved, while missing architectural details and a partially lost front porch were reconstructed. The interior was reconfigured into eight apartments, with the grand staircase and original flooring retained where possible, and all major systems updated. The result thoughtfully blends historic character with modern living.
Atwood Music Hall
Award: Adaptive Reuse
Atwood Music Hall is a thoughtful adaptive reuse of a 1932 Art Deco church, transformed into a vibrant community performance venue. The project restored the dramatic lamella roof and open sanctuary by removing later alterations, while adding period-inspired lighting and modern systems. Now a cultural hub, it hosts performances, events, and educational programs, continuing the building’s legacy as a gathering place for the community.
Circus World - Ringling Brothers Office
Award: Restoration
The Ringling Brothers Business Office restoration returns a 1903 landmark (restored to its 1915 significance) to its historic form through meticulous preservation of original materials, reconstruction of lost features, and removal of non-historic alterations. Thoughtfully integrated modern systems and accessibility improvements ensure the building continues to serve as a vital educational and cultural resource within Circus World.
Dylin Hotel Project
Award: Sensitive Infill
The Dylin Hotel project in Madison thoughtfully integrates two historic Reynolds family properties, the early 20th-century Reynolds Homestead and the 1929 warehouse façade, into a contemporary hospitality development. While not all structures could be preserved, the most significant elements were carefully restored and incorporated through complex construction and design solutions. The project balances historic character with modern use, creating a residential hotel that honors the site’s history while contributing to the surrounding neighborhood.
Edgerton Community Outreach
Award: Adaptive Reuse
The Edgerton Community Outreach project adaptively reuses the 1854 Taylor House/American House in Edgerton, transforming a deteriorated historic landmark into supportive housing for veterans and a vibrant community hub. Through careful preservation, structural rehabilitation, and sustainable practices, the project recognizes the building’s past while addressing critical present-day needs.The result is a powerful example of preservation with purpose, revitalizing a landmark while creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that strengthens the community and honors Edgerton’s heritage.
Grace Episcopal Church
Award: Restoration
The restoration of Grace Episcopal Church, the oldest building on the Capitol Square at over 150 years old, focused on preserving its historic Gothic Revival structure through major roof and structural repairs. The project included replacing the aging slate roof with a durable, historically appropriate system, reinforcing structural elements, and restoring exterior masonry while protecting its iconic stained-glass windows. The work ensures the long-term stability of this important landmark for future generations.
Mendota Lake House
Award: Adaptive Reuse
The Mendota Lake House restoration transformed a historic 1912 Arts and Crafts residence into a modern, energy-efficient bed and breakfast while preserving its architectural character and heritage. Through thoughtful collaboration and innovative solutions, the project successfully balanced sustainability, guest comfort, and historic preservation, ensuring the building’s continued vitality for future generations.
Sam Breidenbach
Award: Advocacy
Sam Breidenbach has made a lasting impact on Madison through his decades of work restoring historic buildings and his dedicated leadership within the preservation community. Known for his integrity, craftsmanship, and thoughtful stewardship, he has strengthened both the city’s architectural legacy and the people and organizations committed to protecting it.
The Shop Lofts
Award: Adaptive
The Shop Lofts project transformed a historic Model A assembly building in downtown Stoughton into a thoughtfully restored and modernized 17-unit apartment community. By combining creative preservation techniques with a focus on affordability and community impact, the project revitalizes a key historic property while supporting the city’s future growth.
Honorable Mentions
Our two honorable mention projects represent thoughtful and well-executed examples of preservation at the residential level. These projects demonstrate the care, responsibility, and attention to detail that stewardship of historic homes requires, ensuring that important architectural features are maintained and preserved for the future. While more modest in scope, they reflect the essential, ongoing work that sustains our historic neighborhoods and serves as a strong model for homeowners committed to preservation.
Graaskamp House
Honorable Mention
he Graaskamp House is a uniquely personal and architecturally significant home that reflects Professor James Graaskamp’s vision of accessibility, resilience, and the social responsibility of the built environment. Recent preservation efforts have carefully maintained its original character while addressing essential repairs, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
Van Tamelen House
Honorable Mention
The Van Tamelen House, a 1956 Frank Lloyd Wright–designed home in collaboration with Marshall Erdman, remains a highly intact example of early modern residential design. Recent exterior work carefully addressed essential repairs and maintenance needs while preserving the home’s original materials and architectural character.
For more information about the Historic Preservation Awards, contact us at info@madisonpreservation.org or (608) 441-8864.