Schickel credits sale of dilapidated hotel as off-shoot of Mason City downtown project
MASON CITY — Mason City’s mayor is crediting the sale of a hotel that has sat empty for a number of years to the improvements being made in the downtown area. The former America’s Best Value Inn at 24 5th Southwest was white-tagged by city officials back in November 2016 after an investigation into complaints about mold from people living long-term in the building.
In a social media posting made this morning, Mayor Bill Schickel says the property has been purchased and is to be renovated into a hotel. “This dilapidated hotel just south of the proposed Mason City riverwalk downtown has been sold and it’s going to be renovated. Plans are for a 46 unit EconoLodge. The realtor who handled the transaction tells me that renovation is expected to begin almost right away.”
Schickel says the sale is another win for downtown Mason City. “This has to be considered another significant spin-off of the River City Renaissance project, and I want to extend my thanks to the new owners for their confidence in the future of Mason City.”
The property has been purchased for $350,000, but the realtor is not immediately identifying the new owner.
