Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), in partnership with the City of Marion and the Linn-Mar and Marion Independent School Districts, will host a ribbon cutting and recognition event on Monday, May 5th at 1:15 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the third home through the Marion Community Build program.

Located at 436 18th Street in Marion, the home underwent a full renovation completed by local high school students. The event will feature remarks from community leaders, firsthand stories from students, and an opportunity for the public to tour the home. The Marion Chamber of Commerce will also be on hand to help celebrate this milestone.

Students led major improvements to the property, including installation of new appliances, construction of a detached two-stall garage, a new roof, new siding, and replacement of most windows. They remodeled both bathrooms, installed new flooring throughout, and added a main floor laundry area. Significant mechanical upgrades included a new furnace and air conditioning unit. Students also added a new bathroom upstairs, built a side porch and a rear deck, and installed all-new kitchen cabinets. The home has now been listed for sale to support homeownership opportunities for local families.

“The Marion Community Build program is about more than construction—it’s about building futures,” said Mark Seckman, President of MEDCO. “Students develop real-world skills while making a meaningful investment in our neighborhoods. It's a win for our workforce, our community, and our future.”

MEDCO and its partners are in the process of acquiring a new property to continue the program’s momentum into the next school year.

Marion Community Build is a collaborative effort designed to reinvest in older neighborhoods by giving students hands-on experience in home rehabilitation. The program supports low- to moderate-income housing needs while preparing students for career pathways in the trades and beyond.