Landmark Marion building begins its next chapter

Long known as the Henderson House, one historic mansion in Marion will now move forward under a new name: The Smyth.

Purchased by Gutschmidt Properties, The Smyth is located at 1501 1st Ave. in Marion, just down the street from Marion High School. The historical residential multi-family home features 52 units including studio, one-bedroom and sleeping room accommodations.

The rebranding pays tribute to William Smyth, the attorney and civic leader who built the original mansion for his family in the mid-1800s.

Rita Collins, who lived on site to help manage the building for 13 years, is energized by the new name, building improvements and its future.

“My biggest fear was who would buy it,” Collins said, noting that when the building was listed for sale recently, she worried the next owner would tear down the historic property. “I started praying for God to send me someone who would love it as much as I do. And here he is,” she said, pointing to Eric Gutschmidt, owner of Gutschmidt Properties.

“We walked around here and talked for two hours, and he asked me if I thought it was worth saving,” she added. “He was so excited. Every room we went into he was already redoing in his mind. He really embraced it.”

The building has a rich history, having served the community in remarkable ways over many decades.

“I hear so many people say they have driven by this place many times and always wondered what it was,” Collins said, adding that she’s often heard it was an asylum.

After the Smyth family lived in the home, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the estate in 1893, transforming it into a boys' school and constructing distinctive four-story additions on both the north and south sides of the original mansion. When the school closed in 1942, the Sisters adapted the building once again — this time as classrooms and dormitories for nursing students.

Then in 1964, Alma Henderson acquired the property and reimagined it as 50 apartments and sleeping rooms, offering housing to generations of Marion residents, including those who needed short-term living arrangements thanks in large part to the railroad coming through town.

Her stewardship left a lasting imprint, Gutschmidt said, and he and his company remain deeply appreciative of the Henderson family’s long and meaningful role in the home’s evolution.

Today, the mansion stands as one of Marion’s most historic and unique places to live — a rare blend of preserved heritage and renewed purpose.

“After thoughtful discussion, the Gutschmidt Properties team felt it was time for a name that honors the full arc of the building’s story while embracing its future,” Gutschmidt said. “The Smyth captures that balance: a recognition of the home’s origins and a celebration of the changemakers who shaped it. The name is a clean slate as this place goes into the next chapter.”

Gutschmidt does not shy away from historic homes, sharing that he “cut his teeth” working on 100-year-old houses in Cedar Rapids and Marion before becoming a property owner and building manager.

“To me, it seems a shame to build something and then throw it away,” he seaid. “Someone’s entire life’s work was traded for building this mansion.”

Gutschmidt decided to name the building’s new shared community room after Collins for her long-time dedication to preserving and caring for the building.

“I am excited that at some point this building will foster community again,” he said.

The 52 units at The Smyth, Gutschmidt is proud to say, are both historical and affordable, featuring 12-foot ceilings, unique architectural elements, beautiful molding and chandeliers. About half of the residents who live in the building pre-sale to Gutschmidt Properties.

“I think there’s a perception that renting is lower tier, but it doesn’t have to be. This place really fills a need in the community. It’s affordable housing by design and historically, too,” Gutschmidt said.

“When he’s got a vision, he goes with it. What he sees in his mind is what happens,” Collins said of the updates Gutschmidt Properties has made since taking over ownership.

Gutschmidt is excited for the future of the building as well, including his hopes to install an elevator and solar panels. He is working in partnership with the City of Marion and Iowa Economic Development Authority to submit grant applications that would support these endeavors.

“The elevator is critically needed here as we have residents wanting to age in place, and it will give us so much more flexibility,” he said. “And long-term, this place fills a need in Marion. I want to do enough to care for this property to see it through another 100 years.”

Collins noted there are residents who have lived in the building for more than 30 years.

“This property has touched a lot of lives,” she said.