MASON CITY — Apparent metal thieves were behind a July fire inside Mason City’s deteriorating Mohawk Square building, and police now believe burglars may have returned to the property, according to new information from Mason City Police Chief Mike McKelvey.
McKelvey disclosed the new details in his department’s monthly activity report included with materials for the September 1 Mason City City Council meeting.
According to the police chief, apparent metal thieves broke into Mohawk Square on July 16.
“One of the burglars apparently tried to cut an energized copper wire,” McKelvey reported.
The would-be thief managed to flee, but the attempt to cut the live electrical line started a fire inside the building.
Alliant Energy was forced to interrupt electrical service to nearby locations, while numerous Mason City departments assisted with containing the fire and gaining access to the scene.
NIT reported shortly after the incident that Mason City firefighters had been dispatched to Mohawk Square after smoke was spotted coming from the building at 22 N. Georgia Avenue.
Firefighters were called at approximately 2:22 p.m. and located an electrical fire on the first floor. Crews extinguished the blaze and searched the sprawling building to ensure no one remained inside.
No injuries were reported.
At the time, the cause of the fire was publicly described as under investigation. McKelvey’s latest report now provides the apparent explanation: someone breaking into the building and attempting to steal metal allegedly cut into an energized copper wire.
The trouble apparently has not ended.
“Recently, it looks like our burglars may have returned,” McKelvey said in the report.
He said multiple city departments are once again working to secure the property and prevent further unauthorized access.
The report does not identify any suspects, disclose whether anyone has been arrested or specify what evidence has led police to believe the burglars returned.
Mohawk Square is the long-vacant former Mason City High School and Mason City Junior College building near downtown Mason City.
The century-old structure has suffered years of deterioration, water intrusion and structural problems following a major roof failure in 2019.
The city eventually gained control of the troubled property following litigation and has been preparing for demolition after efforts to find a financially viable redevelopment plan failed.
Mohawk Square was constructed in 1917-18 and served as Mason City Senior High School until 1967. Mason City Junior College also operated there from 1918 until 1955.
The building is notably connected to Mason City native Meredith Willson, creator of “The Music Man,” who was a member of the high school’s first graduating class in 1919.
City officials have said bringing the deteriorated building back into code compliance could cost tens of millions of dollars.
Now, even as Mohawk Square approaches demolition, city workers are continuing to contend with people allegedly breaking into the property and attempting to strip valuable material from inside.
it’s a shame there isn’t some near by law enforcement to keep an eye on the place.