Since 1996, Preservation Iowa recognizes Iowa individuals, projects, businesses and programs whose work has shown outstanding preservation efforts by honoring them with a “Preservation at its Best Award.” The Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, was nominated for this award for restoring the historic Lerch building, located at 410 5th Street in downtown Sioux City, Iowa. Owner and Attorney Jeana Goosmann saw the potential for the “historic gem” to be the headquarters of her general practice law firm. The 16,000 square foot building has seen many transitions since William Lerch first built it in 1907. With the help of PLaN Architecture, H&R Construction, the general contractors on the project, uncovered and restored stunning wood floors, tin ceilings and grand columns. In addition, painted on the west façade is a notable icon of downtown Sioux City – the We (heart) Sioux City logo. In March, 2012 the firm was able to formally call the new space home. The reviving of the historic Lerch building is an investment in Sioux City’s past as well as an investment into the future of the Goosmann Law Firm. This investment in the Sioux City community was an opportunity to revitalize what once was and is now no-longer lost.
The “Preservation at its Best Award” serves as an inspiration to others who seek to promote, protect and preserve pieces of Iowa’s history. The award covers all aspects of preservation; commercial properties, adaptive use, public structures, community efforts, residential, rural and sustainability in preservation. Winners will be announced mid-week at the Five Flaggs Center in historic downtown Dubuque, Iowa.
