History
of the
Historic
Park Inn hotel

1907
Local attorneys J.E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a hotel and bank in the heart of Mason City. The ambitious project was intended to showcase their success and attract visitors to the town.
1908
Wright's vision for the hotel was unlike anything Mason City had seen before. He envisioned a unique space that blended his signature Prairie Style with the latest in modern amenities, including indoor plumbing and electricity.
1909
During construction of the Historic Park Inn Hotel, Wright abruptly left the project to travel to Europe with Mamah Cheney, a woman with whom he was having an affair. The departure caused tensions with the building owners. Wright never returned to Mason City.
1910
Despite the setback, the Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank were completed in 1910 and quickly became a favorite among travelers.
1972
Over the years, the hotel fell into disrepair and was eventually closed in 1972. For many years, it sat vacant and deteriorating, a shadow of its former self.
2005
In 2005, a group of local preservationists formed the Wright on the Park organization and launched a campaign to restore the hotel to its former glory. The restoration effort was a massive undertaking, requiring years of hard work and dedication.
Photo of the law lobby before the renovation.
2011
Finally, in 2011, the restored Historic Park Inn Hotel opened its doors to the public once again. The hotel had been lovingly restored to its original design.
present
Today, the Historic Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank Building are both thriving once again, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience Wright's unique architectural vision. The hotel features modern amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and event space, making it a popular destination for weddings, conferences, and other special events.