Mayor Bookmeyer and the City Council officially closed this chapter in Mason City’s history Tuesday night.
In the wake of this endeavor is a newly-restored historic Frank Lloyd Wright Hotel, a restored and renovated public library, an interpretive center and a new Federal Avenue streetscape.
Mayor Bookmeyer handed out Certificates of Recognition to several deserving people for their hard work and dedication throughout the over two year long saga of bringing the project forward and seeing it through to the end.
Library Director Mary Markwalter accepted a certificate on behalf of the library. She then gave a brief presentation on the library’s current status and how the project unfolded. She thanked the staff, contractors, designers and everyone involved.
The River City Historical Preservation Society was presented with a certificate for its efforts related to the construction of the Architectural Interpretive Center, which is located at 530 1st Street Northeast.
Former Mason City Mayor Jean Marinos accepted a certificate on behalf of the Wright on the Park organization. She says the Frank Lloyd Wright Hotel has so far been a huge success and is surpassing expectations. Marinos says that occupancy has been great and has sold out several times. She also mentioned that the national media has written several stories about the hotel. She thanked the many people who helped get the project off the ground, including fundraisers and organizers like Mayor Bookmeyer.
Marty Walsh of Main Street Mason City also accepted a certificate for his organization’s efforts. He says that business is picking up downtown despite tough economic times. He pointed to the relocated Bumbleberry Bakery that just opened on North Federal and 4th Street. He says others are coming in soon, like a new deli in the Brick and Tile Building.
Robin Anderson of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce accepted a certificate on behalf of the Chamber’s efforts. The Chamber pursued the Vision Iowa funding and brought forth a plan to that group for the overall project. Vision Iowa ultimately worked with the Chamber and the City to formulate the final plan.
Watch video of the certificates being awarded and speeches of all involved:
