Construction of new hotel to begin in April

MASON CITY | The building that housed the Clarion Inn will be torn down in mid-February to make room for a new hotel, restaurant and condominium project.

Les Kinseth, president of Kinseth Hospitality Cos., said construction of the new Hampton Inn & Suites will begin in April, weather permitting.

On Tuesday, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a change of zoning from Z2 (sub-urban) to Z4 (multi-use) to accommodate the development of the condominium part of the project.

Kinseth said crews are now working to abate asbestos on the property, a routine function when buildings are being torn down and others are to be constructed on the same property.

The commission is expected to receive a site plan at its February meeting.

Part of the discussion Tuesday centered on the traffic flow on the frontage road at Briarstone Drive. Barb Schultz, who lives in the area, said vehicles are often stacked up at the intersection and it is likely to be worse when the Kinseth project is completed.

John Groninga, commission chairman, said, "Legend has it that the intersection was designed by the City Council and it certainly has that look to it. The accident rate is considerably low. The frustration rate is incredibly high."

Commissioner Gary Christiansen agreed.

"As we move forward, that needs to be addressed," he said.

Plans for the new hotel, restaurant and condominium project were announced in April 2014.

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Construction of new hotel to begin in April