Kirkwood’s buildings tell the story of who we are—and residents are invited to help celebrate the places that give our community its character. Nominations are now open for Favorite Buildings in Kirkwood, an annual recognition honoring buildings or places that contribute to Kirkwood’s architectural identity. The categories for the awards are: additions, new construction, restorations, and neighborhood integrity. Nominated properties do not need to be designated Kirkwood Landmarks; what matters most is the role they play in shaping the look, feel, and history of our community.

The Kirkwood Landmarks Commission will review all nominations and select this year’s recipients, which will be recognized in May during National Preservation Month—a fitting time to highlight how preserving Kirkwood’s past helps build its future.

Nominations must be submitted by March 25 and may be sent to Lauren Hoerr at City Hall or emailed to hoerrla@kirkwoodmo.org. Residents are encouraged to share the places that matter most to them and help spotlight the buildings that make Kirkwood feel like home.

For more information contact Staff Liaison Lauren Hoerr at (314) 822-5899 or e-mail: hoerrla@kirkwoodmo.org.

The 2024 Award recipients may be viewed here.

City’s thriving cultural heritage and architectural history. Included among the 85 designated landmarks and nine local historic districts in Kirkwood are businesses, schools, churches, cemeteries, and a multitude of historically significant homes. In addition, there are 24 individual properties and four districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mission of the Kirkwood Landmarks Commission is to protect, retain, and enhance such properties.

The Volunteer Commissioners who serve on the Landmarks Commission come from a variety of backgrounds and utilize their expertise for the benefit of the community. They advise property owners on exterior renovations to preserve the character and historic integrity of existing landmarks and historic districts. Any Kirkwood property owner may seek free advice regarding appropriate design and historic preservation from the Landmarks Commission. 

• Further information about the Commission, review requirements, and decisions may be found here:  Landmarks Commission Brochure and Roster
• Information about the organization, rules of procedure, and powers and duties of the Commission may be found here:  Landmarks Commission Ordinance 
• For a current roster of the Commission, please see the "Contact Us" portion of the City Clerk's page at the following link: Boards and Commissions Roster. 
• To contact Commission members, please email the staff liaison Lauren Hoerr at hoerrla@kirkwoodmo.org

The Kirkwood City Council established the Landmarks Commission in 1981 - "to make a continuous study of all the buildings and structures in the community, taking into account the age, design, period of construction, aesthetic value, past use, and historical significance, and to consider such buildings for designation as historical landmarks." The Commission has actively pursued its charge from inception to the present. 

• Please see the Historic Preservation webpage for the listings of Landmarks, Historic Districts, and Design Guidelines.
• For guidance on nomination of a Landmark or creation of a historic district, please see Landmark and Historic District Nomination Guidelines, Criteria, & Review

Kirkwood was one of the first cities in Missouri to make historic preservation a priority at the local level, followed by more than 60 other cities. The Kirkwood Landmarks Commission has been certified by the State of Missouri's Historic Preservation Office. Please see Certified Local Government Annual Report 2023-24.

The Landmarks Commission reviews proposed exterior alterations to designated landmarks, and demolition and new construction of structures on landmark sites and within historic districts. Before a building permit may be obtained for such work, the Landmarks Commission shall review the project and issue a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA).

Complete application packets are due two weeks in advance of the Wednesday meeting date.

• 2025 Meetings Schedule/Deadlines for Submission
• 2026 Meetings Schedule/Deadlines for Submission

All application materials shall be made through the City's Public Portal.

• You will need to register and create an account. Click here for instructions.
• Once you've registered, you can click "Apply" and find the relevant Landmarks Commission application under "Plans".  Click here to access the online portal. 

There are reference packets linked below for each project type that may be helpful.

• Application for CoA for Demolition
• Application for CoA for Alterations and New Construction

Recent meeting minutes are posted below. Older minutes can be obtained by emailing the City Clerk. 

• Landmarks Commission Meeting Minutes