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Revival receives Historic Preservation Award

Mt. Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission presents Mark and Gina Burns with award

AnnaMarie Kruse

Jun. 26, 2023 12:15 am, Updated: Jun. 26, 2023 2:46 pm

Gina Burns dreamed of owning this building she fondly called the “Castle Church” since she was 12 years old. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Gina Burns dreamed of owning this building she fondly called the “Castle Church” since she was 12 years old. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Gina has a scrap book with her initial inspiration photo of the “Castle Church” on an end table in Revival’s waiting room. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Gina has a scrap book with her initial inspiration photo of the “Castle Church” on an end table in Revival’s waiting room. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Many stain glass windows from the original structure remain at the “Castle Church.” (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Many stain glass windows from the original structure remain at the “Castle Church.” (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Historical Preservation Commission presented Mark and Gina Burns with a Historic Preservation Award, last month. Pictured back row from left: Mayor Steve Brimhall, Debra Savage (commissioner), Lea Bradley (commissioner), Paul Tinder (commissioner)Front row from left: Jeff Thomas (Chair of Commission), Gina and Mark Burns, Joy Lapp (commissioner) (Photo submitted)
Historical Preservation Commission presented Mark and Gina Burns with a Historic Preservation Award, last month. Pictured back row from left: Mayor Steve Brimhall, Debra Savage (commissioner), Lea Bradley (commissioner), Paul Tinder (commissioner) Front row from left: Jeff Thomas (Chair of Commission), Gina and Mark Burns, Joy Lapp (commissioner) (Photo submitted)

MT. PLEASANT — Mt. Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission presented Mark and Gina Burns with a Historic Preservation Award as they completed the sanctuary portion of Revival Salon and Sanctuary.

According to the Historic Preservation Commission Secretary Joy Lapp, the commission selected the Burns “for their outstanding achievement in the rehabilitation of the historic Congregational Church at 300 East Washington Street in Mt. Pleasant.”

The commission presents a Historic Preservation Award annually to a property owner who has done outstanding work in persevering the historic resources of the community.

The commission presented this award to Burns on May 25 at the completion of a historical scavenger hunt with Southeast Iowa Realty, Inc.

Only a few short weeks later, Revival announced that the sanctuary portion of the business now welcomes events.

According to the Historic Preservation Commission, the church turned salon and event venue was first constructed in 1908 as the Congregational-Universalist Church, though Gina fondly remembers it as the “Castle Church,’ growing up.

Over a year ago Mark and Gina renovated the social hall of the building into a salon complete with gold accents and chandeliers.

The journey for restoration continued as Gina and her stylists offered hair, makeup, nail, and other beauty services.

Gina ran full speed ahead with the theme of the Castle Church offering princess makeovers and embracing many beautiful aspects of the original structure including stained glass in the salon.

Finally, the couple open the sanctuary, which seats 144 guests, for events.

“Every Princess deserves to have her wedding in a Castle! Our beautiful stone church circa 1908 provides a unique fairy tale backdrop for your big day allowing you to have the wedding of your dreams right here in Southeast Iowa,” Revival’s website says.

The sanctuary offers a space for weddings, photography and videography rentals, and other events.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
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