An Inside Look at The Historic Park Inn

I marveled overhead at the room’s 25 art glass panels, now protected against the elements by a dome. It’s apparent that the Historic Park Inn in Mason City, Iowa, has come full circle.

The grand dame, with a one-of-kind three-part design, opened in the fall of 1910. Then, over the next 50 years, it fell into disrepair and was abandoned.

Historic Park Inn Hotel

It showcases the trademark details of the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel, one of six designed and five built. As a result, the halls ooze with history.

The Lobby

The hotel’s lobby features Wright’s compression and release design concept, meant to move people through the space to the places for visitors to congregate.

While stained-glass windows often tell a story, Wright’s leaded stained glass featured strips of continuous casement windows and doors.

Skylight Room At The Historic Park Inn

The Law Offices

The second section of the three-part design is the law offices of Markley & Blythe. It includes a mahogany reception area, a law library, and the office of the central waist.

The Rooms

The original building had 43 ten-by-ten-foot rooms with shared bathrooms. Each room offered a bed, dresser, and sink. Today, the inn offers 27 unique rooms, each with a private bathroom.

Bathrooms

Since each room is unique, you’ll also find a variety of bathroom styles. Other bathrooms feature clawfoot bathtubs for those who enjoy old-world charm.

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