(photo from firstcitizensnb.com)
MASON CITY – The largest employer in Mason City – Mercy Hospital – has endorsed the downtown Renaissance Project.
In a video statement, Mercy CEO Dan Varnum said Mercy – “North Iowa is proud to support the River City Renaissance project.”
CEO Varnum claims that in the next 5-7 years, one-third of Mercy Physicians will reach retirement age, and the proposed multi-use arena, museum and other amenities connected to the Renaissance project will make Mason City more attractive for recruiting new doctors to town.
“This project will support efforts to recruit and retain physicians, nurses and other Mercy colleagues to the area,” according to a social media post from Mercy Hospital.
The arena would be built in the former JC Penney’s store in Southbridge Mall – just about a mile or so from the Mercy campus. It would be used for ice activities 6-8 months out of the year. Other activities such as concerts, tournaments and expos would held inside the arena the rest of the year.
