Long abandoned and seeing intense deterioration after the 2020 derecho, this historic First United Methodist Church in Marion was in need of a restoration project. After it’s purchase by High Properties in Cedar Rapids, Martin Gardner Architecture began an assessment and restoration project for the building. The overall goal of the project was to transform it from a historic church building into 55 studio apartments for the Uptown Marion community while keeping the external historic facade intact. The project replaced the louvers and repair the original bell tower as well as restored the stained glass original to the building.

The project is currently expected to finish construction and open in late 2026.