Frank Lloyd Wright is experiencing a rebirth in Mason City, Iowa, with the restoration the Historic Park Inn Hotel, which the famed architect designed in 1910. The hotel-the only Wright-designed one remaining in the world-comprises not only the original Park Inn but the adjacent City National Bank building, which was also designed by Wright. Both structures were designed in the Prairie School style, which is typified by flat roofs, large overhangs, and geometric designs.
An $18 million renovation, led by local architecture and design firm Bergland + Cram, maintains many of the original features built by Wright, including a ladies parlor; gentlemen’s lounge; billiards room; and the Skylight Room, which has Wright-designed art-glass windows. Interior designers with Bergland + Cram researched the interior of the original hotel and chose wallcoverings, room designs, and furnishings that reflect the original rooms but added modern touches. Interior designers for HPI Partners, the hotel’s operator, were responsible for purchasing and installation.
One of the guestrooms is being restored almost exactly as it was originally. The two-room “Historic Room” has a sleeping room with a brass bed and desk simulating the original, while the sitting area will have a couch, chair, and armoire with a refrigerator, storage, and other amenities.
The hotel celebrates its grand opening on September 10th, which will be 101 years to the day that the original Park Inn opened.
