MASON CITY – It seems every few weeks, the citizens of Mason City are treated to a new chapter in the hotel development soap opera here in town.
First, we were told a new hotel would be built downtown.
Then, that turned out to be not true, at least at this time.
Now, rumors over the past several weeks were confirmed Friday when Kinseth Hotels announced that it will close the Clarion Inn, 2101 4th Street SW, in August. NIT is told that hotel employees were called to an emotional meeting this week and management said that the Clarion will soon close, be demolished, and a new Hampton Inn will be built in the same place.
According a source, the Hampton Inn will have 2 restaurants, “franchise types”. No banquet services will be provided. Details are still emerging on the development.
Employees are not guaranteed to be rehired, NIT is told, but will be given “special consideration” and until the Clarion closes, any employees who stay will receive a retention bonus per/hour at closing.
More on this story to come.
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