Now hold on guys. Yes, caution is absolutely required here. However, I have a builder grade fireplace that looks very similar to the OP's unit. Mine is designed for either wood or gas. My unit has the same cheesy thin metal like stuff. If you look at the other pics on flicker, you will see that the unit has a full above roof chase and what appears to be a spark cap. I believe my unit has one of those huge 14" flues which is common for these units. This one doesn't seem to be that large, which makes me wonder if it is indeed a wood burner. The top of the front of the unit also has something that looks like sheet metal extending down into the firebox that is different from mine and that makes me think of gas. Remember, these are open fireplaces and don't really generate dramatic heat. My cheesy back fake bricks never got damaged in any way. So, two points: the 'fireplace' may indeed be designed for wood and you will need to check further; AND you aren't going to heat much with this thing either.

thats what i did (or had done) cap the gas line as low to the floor as possible, shut it off, and insert wood.

First, is Offenbacher's a stove shop, or a seasonal store that will sell stoves during the winter only? You need a real stove and fireplace shop. If you go with wood, stay away from Vermont castings! The stove shops here in Vermont won't touch them anymore. VC used to be one of the best in the business, but they've been bought and sold so many times they are nothing but a name today. The quality is nowhere NEAR what they once were! But let's get back to the original fireplace. You say it will cost $5,000 to repair it? How many estimates did you get?

I already had a gas starter in my fireplace, so it was quite easy. I bought Peterson gas logs - think the style was "Rustic Oak". I did NOT use the grate that came with them as I have a very traditional LR and have some lovely antique polished solid brass andirons. They would not fit under the Peterson grate. The dealer told me I would be "voiding the warranty" and that "no one" uses andirons anymore. I told him he should get out more - EVERY ONE I know uses them! I called Peterson and they said the only problem was with a higher grate, one could see the flames coming from the base of the firebox. They suggested that I buy extra fake ash and embers and build it up so it would look more realistic. They were right and I'm very pleased. I have the kind that must be started with a match, not the remote starter.