08/19/2026
SOS Historical Building of the Month 🏛️
Marquette Block / Paris Apartments
Every historic building has a story to tell, and the Marquette Block is no exception. For well over a century, this iconic downtown Marion building has adapted alongside our community while serving generations of residents and businesses.
Originally rebuilt in 1901, the brick structure replaced a wood-frame building that once housed a carriage and harness shop and a billiards room. The new building welcomed a 10 Cent Store, a saloon, and professional offices, becoming a bustling part of downtown life.
From 1911 to 1955, the building was home to the D.G. Clothing Store, another 10 Cent Store, and a Soda Fountain Shop, serving shoppers and visitors for decades.
Many Marion residents fondly remember the years from 1955 to 1981, when Henry and Betty Fleck operated the beloved Paris Store on the ground floor, while the Paris Apartments occupied the second and third floors.
The apartments continued to provide housing through the years, while the storefront evolved to meet the needs of the community:
• 1995–1999: Law Offices
• 2000: Family Services
• 2001–2021: Jesus Fellowship
• 2023–Present: Gorham Rentals & Paris Event Center
While the History Center does not currently have photographs of the Paris Apartments, we’re hoping our SOS community can help!
📸 Do you have photos of the Paris Apartments or any of the businesses that called the Marquette Block home? We’d love to see them! Share your photos and memories in the comments or send them to us so we can continue preserving Marion’s history for future generations.
Every photograph, every memory, and every story helps keep our city’s history alive. ❤️
