Marion Community Build
Marion Community Build is a partnership together with the City of Marion, Marion Independent School District and Linn-Mar Community School District.
For more than thirty years the school districts have constructed new homes through the Building Trades program. Students worked throughout the year to build a new single-family home within the community. Through Marion Community Build, MEDCO will now purchase deteriorated single-family homes for students to complete full rehabilitations that support low to moderate income individuals and families.
Students interested in this class should reach out to their school counselor for sign up instructions and eligibility requirements.
Marion Community Build News
Marion Community Build to Celebrate Completion of Program’s Second Home
on Friday, January 27, 2023
Marion, IA –Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) in partnership with the City of Marion, Linn-Mar and the Marion Independent School Districts, will host a recognition event on Wednesday, February 15th at 1 PM to celebrate the completion of a second Marion Community Build property. The event will highlight the work of high school students more
A Heart for Giving Back
on Wednesday, September 7, 2022
As a child, Jim McGrew called the neighborhood near Francis Marion Intermediate School, home. He walked to school most days and recalls an occasional snowball fight with his buddies along the way. His daily route would take him near 2095 3rd Avenue, a home originally built in 1920. Today that property is owned by Marion Community Build and is under more
Second Marion Community Build Home Press Event September 23rd
on Friday, September 17, 2021
Marion, IA – Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) is hosting a press event to kick off the second home set to be renovated after a successful completion and sale of the first Marion Community Build home earlier this summer. The Marion Community Build program is a home rehabilitation program of Community Promise. The effort is a partnership more
Marion Community Build in Search of Next Home
on Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Marion, IA – Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) is in search of its next single family residence to renovate after a successful completion and sale of the first Marion Community Build, a home rehabilitation program of Community Promise. The effort is a partnership with the City of Marion, Marion Independent School District, Linn-Mar more
Marion Community Build Open House Set for July 15th
on Friday, July 9, 2021
Marion, IA – Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) announces the completion of the first Marion Community Build, a home rehabilitation program of Community Promise. The effort is a partnership together with the City of Marion, Marion Independent School District, Linn-Mar Community School District, and multiple business partners.
In August more
Community Build: Student Spotlight!
on Friday, June 4, 2021
As the school year wraps up, the Community Build student crew who were all Seniors, have said goodbye to their high school education. Before they left for their next phase in their lives, we wanted to interview them to explore what they learned and what their future plans are. The students were from both Marion Independent High School and Linn-Mar High more
Instructor Spotlight: Dennis Fleege
on Thursday, April 29, 2021
Dennis Fleege, the instructor for the Building Trades class at Marion Independent, shared new perspective on all the work that goes into the Community Build project. In the previous interview, Nick Glew, President of Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), and Dustin Kern, Project Manager for MEDCO, shared the financial and administration work that more
Community Build: Behind-the-Scenes
on Monday, April 12, 2021
In a recent interview, Nick Glew, President of Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), and Dustin Kern, Project Manager for MEDCO, shared the details and behind-the-scenes process and planning that has gone into making the Community Build a successful project. Glew and Kern lead the Community Advisory team. Together, they handle all the financial more
Building Trades Program: Origins and Legacy
on Wednesday, February 3, 2021
The following article is gathered from interviews with Greg Semler, Marion Independent High School Principal (MHS), and Bruce Weisinger, the former Building Trades instructor. Along with Larry Twachtmann, former MHS principle, they have made this program as successful and influential as it is now. This exclusive article will be looking at the history of the more
Local Lumber Company Makes Impact
on Thursday, December 17, 2020
Prem here, Marion Community Build Intern. In the last week, I visited the build site, talked to the students, and interviewed Jim McGrew, President & CEO of Suburban Lumber. All this made me appreciate the community effort that goes into these projects.
Over the last few weeks, the students have been primarily working on the siding and the windows. The more
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Students