Deb Sheals of Columbia receives state honor

Historic preservation consultant Deb Sheals of Columbia was awarded one of the most prestigious state awards from Missouri Preservation on April 29, 2025. Missouri Preservation is a state nonprofit dedicated to preserving Missouri’s cultural and historic resources.

This is the first time since 2002 that someone from Columbia has been given the Rozier Award. This annual award goes to someone who has significantly contributed to Missouri's historic preservation. The award was given at the 2025 Honor Awards Ceremony in the Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol.

Sheals is an architectural historian with over 30 years of experience as a historic preservation consultant. Through her company, Building Preservation, LLC, Sheals has worked on 350 projects in Missouri and beyond, including National Register of Historic Places nominations, historic structures reports, and historic rehabilitations using state and federal historic tax credits.

She holds an undergraduate degree in housing and a master’s in architectural history and historic preservation from the University of Missouri—Columbia.

In addition to her professional duties, Sheals has served on several boards and organizations. She joined the board of Missouri Preservation in 1996, served as President from 2000 to 2003, and was named a permanent member of the organization’s Advisory Board for her commitment to it.

She also served on the Downtown Columbia Community Improvement District and served on the Task Force on Bicentennial Celebration Planning to help plan the celebration of Columbia’s 2021 bicentennial.

Missouri Preservation’s news release applauded Sheals, calling her a devoted advocate for Missouri’s historic buildings and the programs that support them, especially the Missouri Historic Tax Credit, and she has spent countless hours working to improve the program and educate our legislators about its importance.

Related articles:

Vox magazine, April 30, 2022: History hidden in plain sight

COMO Magazine, Dec. 2, 2006: PYSK: Debbie Sheals

CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated, but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. The preservation of historic places and spaces gives people a sense of place and boosts Columbia’s economy. You can get involved by becoming a member, volunteering, signing up for our newsletter attending an event, or donating.

Questions? Suggestions for speakers or events? Email CoMoPreservation@gmail.com