Park Inn Hotel

Step into a world where architectural brilliance meets historical significance at the Park Inn Hotel in Mason City, Iowa. This iconic establishment, designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, is not just a place to stay; it is a journey through time and design. Nestled in the heart of downtown Mason City, the Park Inn Hotel stands as the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in the world, a testament to Wright's genius and vision.

The Birth of a Masterpiece

The story of the Park Inn Hotel begins in the early 20th century when law partners James E. Blythe and J. E. E. Markley sought an architect to create a building that could compete with the grand eight-story bank building planned across the corner. They chose Frank Lloyd Wright, then a rising star in the architectural world. Wright's design for the Park Inn Hotel and the adjacent City National Bank was a complex, multi-purpose structure that seamlessly integrated various functions, including law offices, a banking room, rental office space, and a 42-room hotel.

Construction of the Park Inn Hotel began on April 1, 1909, with Wright supervising the project until he left for Europe in late October of that year. Architect William Drummond, from Wright's Oak Park Studio, took over the supervision of the construction. The law office of Blythe and Markley opened for business on August 29, 1910, and the hotel and bank buildings had their grand opening two weeks later, on September 10.

A Short-Lived Glory

Despite its prime location and modern appeal, the Park Inn Hotel struggled financially from the start. The hotel seldom made a profit during its first decade and faced stiff competition from the newly completed, luxurious 250-room Hotel Eadmar nearby. By 1922, the Park Inn Hotel was barely afloat, and by 1925, it had gone bankrupt and closed its doors for good. That same year, the City National Bank also failed, a victim of the nationwide farming crisis that led to a banking crisis in Mason City.

From Decline to Revival

After its closure, the Park Inn Hotel and the City National Bank building were sold as separate properties. The bank building underwent extensive remodeling and reopened as a new commercial venture in 1928. The hotel, however, was converted into small, cheap apartments and renamed the Frank Lloyd Wright Apartments East and West. For the next 45 years, the once-charming Park Inn deteriorated, hosting a variety of businesses on the ground floor and serving as dreary apartments above.

By 1972, the building stood empty, derelict, and neglected. For the next 25 years, the residents and leaders of Mason City debated what to do with the eyesore. The significance of the building, being the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in the world, was not widely recognized. It wasn't until the threat of demolition loomed that the community realized the treasure they had on their hands.

The Restoration

In a race against time, the community of Mason City rallied to save the Park Inn Hotel. Numerous grants and local coordination led to a comprehensive restoration of the building. The exterior brick and terra-cotta façade were meticulously restored, the art glass skylight windows were replaced, and the interior was completely reconstructed. Wright on the Park, Inc., the organization overseeing the restoration, purchased the adjacent City Bank Building, reuniting it with the Park Inn Hotel. The bank building was refitted with an elevator and now provides six additional rooms for the hotel, with the old bank lobby serving as a hotel ballroom.

The restoration was completed in September 2011, and the Park Inn Hotel now stands as a shining example of Mason City's rich architectural heritage. The hotel not only preserves the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright but also celebrates the contributions of other Prairie School architects who built in Mason City, including Walter Burley Griffin, Marion Mahony Griffin, William Eugene Drummond, and Francis Barry Byrne.

Experiencing the Park Inn Hotel Today

Today, visitors to the Park Inn Hotel can experience the elegance and charm of Frank Lloyd Wright's design. The hotel offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts and travelers alike. Guests can stay in beautifully restored rooms, dine in the hotel's restaurant, and explore the rich history of the building through guided tours.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a unique place to stay, the Park Inn Hotel in Mason City offers an unforgettable experience. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of Frank Lloyd Wright at this remarkable landmark.