Preservation Iowa recently recognized The Warren Cultural Center by awarding them a first -place Preservation at Its Best Award for adaptive use.  The award recognized the E.E. Warren Opera House Association and Invision Architecture for excellence in historic preservation efforts and for the rehabilitation of the Warren Opera House in Greenfield.

Certificates were presented in seven categories at the annual Preservation Iowa awards ceremony, held Oct. 3 at the Five Flags Theater in downtown Dubuque.  Ken Sidey, executive director of the cultural center; and Justin Holthaus and Aaron Davis of Invision, attended and accepted the award.

For more than 20 years, Preservation Iowa has worked to protect Iowa’s historic resources. The organization’s mission is to build partnerships that enhance our economic and cultural future through the preservation of Iowa’s historic resources. Each year, in partnership with the Iowa Gaming Association, Preservation Iowa seeks to honor individuals, organizations, projects, and programs whose work demonstrates a commitment to excellence in historic preservation. In doing so, it hopes to inspire others to take action to preserve, protect, and promote Iowa’s places that matter.

The Warren Cultural Center opened its doors in April 2012 in the restored 1896 Warren Building on the town square in Greenfield.  Warren Cultural Center Executive Director Ken Sidey says after decades of disuse, The Opera House, with its landmark turret, and multi-purpose auditorium, has been restored to its original glory. The Cultural Center also includes Ed & Eva’s retail store, selling the wide-ranging works of Iowa artisans; lobby/gallery space, displaying rotating exhibits; historic residence meeting rooms and a balcony bedroom suite Sidey added.

For more information on The Warren Cultural Center and future events contact Ken Sidey at 641-343-7337 or visit them online at www.warrenculturalcenter.com.