Mason City council approves senior housing project for north end of Northbridge area

MASON CITY — The City Council in Mason City last night approved a proposal to develop three city-owned parcels located on the north side of the downtown loop.

The land is part of the Northbridge site that was redeveloped in 2003.  In 2022, the city acquired the property at 17 6th Northeast. The prior owner had died and there were no heirs to take ownership, so the court deeded the property to the city, with the city demolishing the dilapidated house on the land.

The council in September approved receiving proposals for the land. A review committee recommended the council approve a proposal from Horizon Development Incorporated of Madison Wisconsin, whose proposal would be a four-story building with 45 senior housing units. The current proposal shows a mix of 15 one-bedroom units and 30 two-bedroom units. All of the units would be affordable to qualified households ranging from 30% to 80% of the county-wide area median income. There would also be 35 underground parking spaces beneath the building.

Councilman Tim Latham says it’s a great project for the north end of the downtown area.  “We’ve been looking for something back when Fareway was built to go on that corner. I think it’s just going to help us clean that area up and I would say if we can get another grant after we get done with the downtown part that we zero in over on that area. That needs some addressing. Underground parking is fantastic, plus they’ve got the other lot there that they are going to have parking.”

The council’s action last night included approving the proposal of Horizon Development and authorizing staff to negotiate a real estate purchase and development agreement for the land.