Mason City’s downtown hotel construction project has begun

MASON CITY – We’ve seen some of this before – a fence around the parking lot at Southbridge Mall, a job trailer on the site, and big promises – but this time, officials claim construction is really happening in downtown Mason City on the long-awaiting hotel that will transform the skyline, connect a lonely skywalk, and bring up to 100 or more fresh souls and their wallets to patronize area businesses.

The 88-room Home2 Suites by Hilton extended stay hotel, managed by Kinseth Hospitality Companies, will be part of the new Riverwalk District and will connect to Music Man Square via Mason City’s first skywalk. Kinseth offered an exciting progress update on this project Thursday after the Southbridge Mall parking lot’s east end was fenced off, equipment was arriving, and dirt was being moved.

“We’re excited to share that work has officially begun on the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Mason City, Iowa,” Kinseth said, as they offered the photo at the top of this story to citizens to ponder. “The construction fence is up and Henkel Construction crews have started removing the old concrete paving.

“We’re thrilled to see this project moving forward with and can’t wait to bring this new hotel to the Mason City community.”

Henkel Construction could not resist joining this bragfest.  The big local builder is in charge of the project, and offered,  “And so it begins … Fencing is up, the job trailer is in place, and work has begun on the long-awaited Home 2 Suites By Hilton hotel. We’re proud to be partnering with Kinseth Hospitality Companies on this key component of the River City Renaissance Project. Looking forward to next week’s groundbreaking ceremony!”

Mayoral candidate and council member John Lee, was quoted as well.

“I know it has been a long time coming, too long. But we celebrate the next chapter for Mason City.”

The River City Renaissance Project has been a catchphrase in Mason City for years now.  The wide-ranging, transformative endeavor featured a number of projects in the downtown area, including the ice arena, performing arts pavilion north of the mall, the skywalk connecting Music Man Square to the Hilton Hotel.  Other enhancements to the area include new apartment complexes and the new riverwalk and park featuring the ‘Bill Schickel Plaza’ with the cylindrical “Harmony in Light” gateway sculpture along the bank of Willow Creek.

A ceremonial groundbreaking is planned for October 16 at 11:30 AM with the City of Mason City  to celebrate the commencement of the project.