The Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission will present the 2026 Historic Preservation Awards on May 21 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum (5519 Five Mile Dr. within Point Defiance Park). The annual awards recognize the critical work of community members to enhance and preserve Tacoma’s unique character through outstanding heritage related efforts. There is no cost to attend this public event, and all are welcome to attend. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.
This year’s Historic Preservation Awards categories and recipients are as follows:
- Excellence in Preservation
Clerks House Reconstruction, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, 5519 Five Mile Dr. - Outstanding Achievement in Cultural Preservation (a new award category for 2026)
Noir Preneurship - Outstanding Heritage/Legacy Business
Bob’s Bar-B-Q Pit, 911 S. 11th St. - Outstanding Achievement in Preservation as Housing
Wright Park Condos (Virges Apartments), 720 Sixth Ave. - Outstanding Achievement in Leadership in Preservation
Brendan A. Nelson - Outstanding Achievement in Partnerships in Preservation
Job Carr Cabin Museum, 2350 N. 30th St. - Outstanding Achievement in Preservation as Neighborhood Revitalization
South Tacoma Business District - Outstanding Achievement in Renovation
Oakland Secondary School, 3319 S. Adams St. - Outstanding Innovation in Preservation and Outreach
Michael Lafreniere - Outstanding Career Achievement
Professor Emeritus Michael Honey, University of Washington – Tacoma
Community members with questions about the 2026 Historic Preservation Awards can contact Historic Preservation Coordinator Susan Johnson at sjohnson7@tacoma.gov or (253) 281-7445.