The financial part of the article is why we’re seeing extensive adoption in rural locations, where people depend on propane, but not in urban areas which are hooked up to the methane distribution system. Getting universal adoption is going to require making electricity cheap and providing support for the appliance switch itself.
Depends if it was built originally as a gas fireplace. If it was converted from a wood burning fireplace to gas, it can be converted back.
You could also remove it completely and turn the space into a secret storage room!
It was built as gas, unfortunately. That is an interesting idea though. Secret compartment!