17 S. Federal Ave
Mason City
IA 50401
Discover why Mason City, Iowa is ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as among “The World’s 20 Best Cities for Architecture Lovers”. Mason City was also ranked the world’s 8th most important architectural destination by the luxury and lifestyle travel magazine.
While Mason City boasts two Wright properties, the George C. and Eleanor Stockman House and City National Bank & Park Inn Hotel, originally there had been plans for more. Wright’s departure to Europe in 1910 caused these plans to come to a sudden halt. The vacuum created by Wright’s withdrawal brought other Prairie School architects to Mason City, many former Wright associates. Marion Mahony Griffin, Walter Burley Griffin, Barry Byrne, William Drummond and local architect Einar Broaten combined to create Rock Crest – Rock Glen, located on both sides of Willow Creek, the first planned Prairie School development in America.
Scheduled tours are offered seasonally, and weather permitting, May 1 through September 30, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 AM. All other times by appointment.
A 60-minute guided tour showcases the hallmark details of the largest collection of Prairie School-styled homes surrounding a natural setting.
Tour Highlights:
- 1908 Wright designed & built the Stockman house in Mason City, IA, the third of his “Fireproof Houses” (after Tan-Y-Deri at Spring Green and the Stephen M. B. Hunt house in La Grange).
- 1910 William Drummond designed the Curtis Yelland house on River Heights Drive.
- 1912-14 Walter Burley Griffin designed and built Arthur Rule, Harry Page, Joshua Melson (castle), and James E. Blythe houses.
- 1914-16 Griffin designed and Barry Byrne supervised construction of Sam Schneider and Hugh Gilmore houses.
- 1914-16 Samuel Davis Drake house on Rock Crest designed and built by Einar Broaten, after Griffin designs were rejected for the site.
- 1917 Barry Byrne designed C. F. Franke house.
- 1959 Wright apprentice Curtis Besinger designed Usonian House for Tom MacNider.