The Park Inn Hotel (and attached City National Bank building) in Mason City Iowa is the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in the world. It’s in desperate need of financial support to save the building.
On March 12, Wright on the Park (WOTP) received a Vision Iowa grant of $7,500,000 from the Iowa Department of Economic Development for the continuation of the rehabilitation of both building segments. Along with the Vision Iowa grant, the sale of Historic Preservation Tax Credits is expected to yield another 67% of the total funding. For the first time, Mason City residents watching the Park Inn’s gradual deterioration since a modern, 250-room hotel was built here in 1922, can believe the project is do-able.
The Vision Iowa grant is double-edged: while providing a great financial boost, it carries a 180-day deadline. Counting from the day after the grant announcement (March 12), a match of $4,300,000 must be raised for this grant. This will be a daunting task for a town of 28,000, without outside help. For $2,000,000 of this match, WOTP must seek help from the wider Frank Lloyd Wright Community. Contributions can be made to Wright on the Park, Inc. by credit card through the WOTP web site: www.wrightonthepark.org, or by mail to P.O. Box 792, Mason City, Iowa 50402-0792.
If you’re a lover of architecture, and you want to see the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in the world survive to see another day, pitch in what you can. You can read more about the project on the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy site.
Ricky Irvine
on 07 May 08Oh, snap! Stuff like this kills me.
Damon Pace
on 07 May 08Jason, you may want to check out the Arizona Biltmore. It is a quintessential FLW hotel (5 stars too), although it is officially attributed to 2 of his understudies. Some say he did it that way so he wouldn’t have to pay taxes on the work. None the less, Wright on the Park should not be torn down…it should be restored like all great pieces of historic architecture. Preach on brother!
Anonymous Coward
on 07 May 08@Damon
Was your link intentional…?
Don Schenck
on 07 May 08Seven point five million from the government??
What a waste of tax dollars. I thought Free Enterprise was the “big thing” in this country. Guess not.
CarlosRomay
on 07 May 08Although not the finest of FLW architecture, the basic elements are there: the horizontal layout, the brickwork and the treatment of the wall as a textile, here shown in the ceremics application. It worths restoration and conservation, for the loss of this building would be a shame for the community. History must be preserved. FLW is one of the most admired architects of modern History.
GeeIWonder
on 07 May 08It’s a shame how much that building’s changed already. The big commercials windows they cut in relatively early ruin the effect for me. In any case, it will live on in the other works it helped inspire.
Benjy
on 07 May 08Thanks for spreading the word on this—I’m a huge FLW fan , on the mailing lists for many FLW organizations, and hadn’t heard about this project yet…
I wonder if they’ll make a pitch about this on the Wright Plus tour that I’m going on on 5/17, that the Frank Lloyd Preservation Trust is puts on annually.
There seem to be so many different FLW organizations out there, most overseeing single properties, etc. They really need to cooperate better in terms of cross-marketing their properties and fundraising drives—those who’ve supported the renovations of Falling Water or Taliesen are pretty likely to want to give here, too.
curious
on 07 May 08Agreed that the building has historical value worth saving. But on the face-value question of the architecture itself—what’s special or noteworthy about it? Not trolling; honestly curious.
Justin Bell
on 08 May 08Can’t say I care too much. I have 2 books on his work and this one isn’t one of the better ones. It’s also been modified quite a lot. I’d rather the money was spent preserving his better works. Perhaps if they dumped those big “Moorman Clothing” signs and restored it to it’s original look, then it might be a different story.
Benjy
on 08 May 08Speaking of close calls for Frank Lloyd Wright architecture…
Darrel
on 09 May 08“What a waste of tax dollars.”
I’m pretty sure if you ask 100 people what they think is a waste of tax dollars you’ll get 100 different answers.
I hope they can save it. But, yea, as great a FLW, he has certainly left us with a lot of money pits. Damn fine looking money pits.
Jean-Pierre Bobbaers
on 09 May 08Our Government in Europe (read Belgium) spends fortunes to preserve our history (+1000 years).
The US has a “small” history. IMO the US is always looking forward which is a good thing, but just as we Europeans destroyed or neglected great architecture the US will regret this also in x years….
FLR his style is living on even in my neighborhood new villas in Belgium
michael strugnell
on 12 May 08Why not spend money restoring the “Institute of Mental Physics” in Yucca Valley which is apparently falling into disrepair. I live in Australia and can’t beleive that ALL his builings are not being declared heratige as they are truely works of art .
David
on 12 May 08I die a little inside each time I see something like this.
Rudiger
on 13 May 08The hotel’s design looks dated to me.
The design didn’t stand the test of time; now the building shall suffer the same fate.
This discussion is closed.