MASON CITY – The North End in Mason City is known as a unique place that needs attention, and City Hall in Mason City has announced the acquisition of more eyesores in their micro attempt to build back better.
According to documents released by City Hall:
The City has acquired two dilapidated commercial buildings, on 9th Street NE just east of the Casey’s convenience store on North Federal Avenue. These buildings will be demolished in early 2024. We are in negotiations to acquire another abandoned house. The City has agreed to purchase the abandoned home at 1444 North Federal Avenue, including two adjacent lots. The house will be demolished. The City will then own 5 lots with frontage on North Federal, which should provide enough frontage to be marketable. Staff will be considering a strategy to attract a commercial developer for this area.
North Federal Avenue is the main gateway into Mason City heading south. It was once a lively hotspot with quaint watering holes like the long-forgotten Alley Katz bar, where more than one rumble was witnessed. Over the years, the buildings have crumbled, the homes have shambled. Crime is known as commonplace in this hood, but folks roll with it. If a home or businesses are vandalized with racially-charged graffiti, for example, Mason City police investigate. Just like they did when dumpsters erupted in flames a time or two. Arson and a shooting might just happen. Maybe a robbery. Feuds between neighbors or even rival business people may simmer. Landlords and citizens have been bickering with City Hall for years. Not much has changed over the decades.
Meanwhile, a few braves souls have found their nook in this realm, though, and the City has scratched and clawed to make life livable. You can still get a delicious meal at Burke’s Bar. Booze is aplenty at several locations, so you won’t go thirsty, but officials are hunting the trouble makers, especially since a recent stabbing. The city continues to pave roads, install lights, and search for answers. Citizens pitch in via the North End Partnership to make improvements. There will be good news and bad news, but perhaps with the diligence City Hall is known for, a brighter future is in store.
(TOP PHOTO: Alley in the 900 block of North Federal Avenue in Mason City, just east of Casey’s convenience store.)
Don’t forget the North end has the best steakhouse in the state
Red house on 3r NW looks like a city dump.