The event marked the culmination of a six-year restoration project that transformed one of Marion’s most historic—and challenged—buildings into a destination that celebrates both hospitality and local heritage.

A Vision Worth Pursuing

Marion Chamber Board Chair Matt Carnaghi opened the ceremony by recognizing the extraordinary effort behind the project and highlighting the importance of creating welcoming spaces for visitors exploring Marion’s entertainment, dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Mayor Michael Absher reflected on the building’s condition when Steve and Sherry Fowler purchased it in 2020.

“What stands here today is nothing short of remarkable,” he noted, recalling a structure that many would have considered beyond saving. He praised the vision, determination, and persistence of everyone involved in bringing the property back to life and creating a new asset for Marion’s historic square.

From Ruin to Revival

For Steve and Sherri Fowler, the project was more than a business investment—it was personal.

Steve shared stories of the building’s condition when they first acquired it. From mushrooms growing through the carpeting to major structural concerns hidden beneath years of neglect, the restoration revealed challenge after challenge.

Perhaps the most surprising discovery was a hidden swimming pool in the basement, uncovered during demolition work. The surprises didn’t end there. At one point during construction, the building’s back wall collapsed into the neighboring lot, requiring extensive rebuilding and engineering solutions.

Working alongside Ross Construction and numerous local contractors, the team tackled everything from replacing the roof and floors to rebuilding critical structural components.

What began as a difficult restoration eventually evolved into a new opportunity.

Reimagining Downtown Hospitality

After initial efforts to attract traditional tenants to the upper floors proved unsuccessful, a new vision emerged. With guidance from Allison Hassler of Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals, the Fowlers developed the concept of creating spacious, upscale vacation rental suites in the heart of downtown Marion.

Today, Downtown Suites features two VRBO accommodations, each offering more than 2,000 square feet of carefully designed living space. The suites provide visitors with a unique opportunity to stay directly on Marion’s historic square while enjoying modern amenities and walkable access to local restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Steve credited the City of Marion and community partners for supporting the project throughout the renovation process, helping make the vision a reality.

Preserving the Story of Marion

The celebration also featured remarks from Katie Fowler, who led the design vision for the suites. Her goal was to create spaces that capture the rich history of Marion while honoring the cultural significance of the Tower Square Plaza and the Dunaway Building.

The property’s history stretches back more than 160 years.

Historical records show a saloon occupied the site in the 1860s before it later became home to successful general merchants, including Goddard & Campbell. The property eventually came under the ownership of the Dunaway family, who transformed the space into the celebrated Dunaway Opera House in the 1880s, one of Marion’s premier social and entertainment venues.

Over the decades, the building housed the Elks Lodge, the iconic F.W. Woolworth store, Simmons Furniture, law offices, and numerous local businesses that shaped Marion’s commercial identity.

In an extraordinary twist uncovered during historical research, the Fowler family discovered they are direct descendants of the Goddard family members whose entrepreneurial legacy helped build this corner of Marion Square more than a century ago.

What began as a preservation effort ultimately became a homecoming.

Looking Ahead

The opening of Downtown Suites represents more than the restoration of a building. It demonstrates what’s possible when historic preservation, private investment, and community partnerships work together.

As visitors begin booking stays in the newly opened suites, Downtown Suites stands as a testament to Marion’s past, present, and future—a place where history isn’t simply remembered but experienced.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce congratulates Steve, Sherry, and Katie Fowler on this extraordinary achievement and welcomes Downtown Suites as a valuable addition to Marion’s growing tourism and hospitality community.

View the full video here: https://youtu.be/SbxShj2jqvg