Architect. Artist. Icon.

Visionary and American legend Frank Lloyd Wright is known as “the father of modern architecture,” thanks to his revolutionary and prolific career that spanned over seven decades and which propelled the most prominent architectural movements of the 20th century. His philosophy of design and aesthetics that function in harmony with humanity and the environment, better known as organic architecture, shaped the course of modern architecture around the world. The Historic Park Inn is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in existence.

A Journey Back In Time

1908

City National Bank elects to build a new building and architect Frank Lloyd Wright is selected for the design.

Spring of 1909

Bank directors approve Wright’s design and construction begins

September 10th, 1910

The Park Inn Hotel first opens.

1915/1916

Hotel remodel removes mezzanine and skylight to enlarge lobby into a single space.

1920s

Farm crisis in the US causes failure of banks, including the City National Bank, which sells in foreclosure in 1926.

1922

Hanford Hotel opens offering private baths and more modern accommodations.

1926

The City National Bank is remodeled, altering Wright’s original design.

1922 – 1972

A variety of restaurants and businesses occupy the hotel’s lower floors while guest rooms deteriorate.

1972

Bank and hotel earn listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

1972 – 1989

Private owners turn the hotel into an apartment building.

1996

Our Hotel is listed as one of Iowa’s “Ten Most Endangered Properties.”

2000

City purchases the hotel and resells it to the Mason City Foundation for Restoration. Hotel becomes “Save America’s Treasures” project.

2005

Hotel ownership returns to the City; non-profit Wright on the Park formed to continue restoration.

2007

Wright on the Park purchases the bank portion of the building.

2010

The 100th Anniversary is observed while undergoing an $18.5-million-dollar restoration.

September 2011

The Grand Re-Opening is celebrated 100 years after its original opening. The Historic Park Inn Hotel once again boasts an exterior nearly identical to its 1910 original design.