Bruce Gerleman received the Historic Preservation Hall of Fame award during the Des Moines Heritage Trust’s Historic Preservation Awards Dinner on May 14th.
When the Tax Act of 1981 was enacted, it introduced groundbreaking incentives for historic preservation—but it also brought uncharted territory. At the time, there was no roadmap, no established network of consultants, and virtually no one who knew how to execute a certified historical renovation according to the rigorous Department of the Interior standards.
Faced with a blank slate, historic preservationist, Bruce Gerleman, took matters into his own hands. Driven by necessity and passion, he spent countless hours and days embedded in the archives of the state capital. He meticulously researched the backgrounds of local architects, the lives of past occupants, and the structural histories of neglected buildings, compiling comprehensive dossiers to submit for federal approval.
The dedication paid off. The exhaustive research culminated in a major milestone: the very first certified historic renovation in the state of Iowa to strictly meet the Department of the Interior’s standards.
This initial success opened the floodgates for a decade of transformative restoration work throughout Des Moines. In 1982, he undertook the renovation of the Governor Albert Baird Cummins Mansion, followed by the landmark Homestead Building in 1983. The momentum continued into 1984 with the restoration of the Saddlery Building, followed closely by the historic Hawkeye Insurance Company Building, the Rock Island Depot, and the Younkers Store for Homes.
Ultimately, this pioneering effort resulted in the preservation of at least 12 distinct buildings across the city of Des Moines. By pulling these structures back from the brink of decay, he did more than just restore brick and mortar; he secured a rich architectural fabric and a vibrant culture. Thanks to this foundational preservation work, the history of Des Moines will live on as a lasting legacy for generations to come.
“The Trust recognized leaders and projects that are leaving their mark across the region during the dinner, held at the Des Moines Heritage Center on East Fifth Street in the East Village on May 14.” wrote Michael Crumb in the Des Moines Business Record. “This year’s winners included Gerleman, owner of Gerleman Management Corp., and Ryan Francois, founder and CEO of Rally Cap Properties, who received the Historic Preservation Champion Award.”
Bruce Gerleman 