09/25/2026
Thursday evening board members Deb McGinn, Jacque Andrew and Peg Raney, on behalf of all the ladies in Why Not Us and those who are Friends of Why Not Us, traveled to Des Moines to accept an award from the Iowa Architectural Foundation. Why Not Us, LLC, was the recipient of the Community Enhancement through Historic Vitalization Award. This Historic Vitalization Award recognizes efforts dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Iowa’s historic places.
Some of the comments were:
“This project exemplifies what Community Enhancement means. It brought together a group of women determined to make their town better and it galvanized a community. It may not be a large dollar project but the impact on Jefferson has been immense.”
— Chad Rasmussen, 2026 Community Enhancement Awards juror
“Our historical fabric can be more than just a collection of old buildings. It can help define a community and reflect the identity of those who advocate for it. Why Not Us shows us there is strength in numbers, backed by passion and commitment, to give new life and meaning to these important community assets.”
— Jeff Shaffer, AIA, 2026 Community Enhancement Awards juror
"Through their vision, advocacy, and willingness to invest in Jefferson’s future, Why Not Us, LLC transformed a threatened historic resource into a vibrant community asset and a catalyst for continued downtown revitalization"
Lovely award; lovely evening. Thank you Iowa Architectural Foundation for recognizing our efforts!
The Centennial Cafe
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Jefferson Matters
Iowa Architectural Foundation
