Bagley-Beck Building in Mason City gets a facelift

(ABC 6 News) – The Bagley-Beck Building in Mason City has recently received some improvements to its façade.

The historic structure on Federal Avenue Plaza has been vacant for more than 30 years served as the original JC Penney building in Mason City, which is part of Southbridge Mall.

The Chamber’s “Building Our Brand” project seeks to beautify the backs of highly visible buildings with murals featuring geometric designs in the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School.

The Chamber used a different approach to tackle the Bagley-Beck Building. Artist Ali Hval was hired to paint 44 aluminum panels to resemble art glass and clerestory windows.

Clear Lake Artist Dr. Jerry Nelson was tasked with designing and fabricating a metal sculpture for the abandoned fire escape. The panels and sculpture were installed earlier this month as an enhancement to the pavilion project.

In addition to the Bagley-Beck building project is part of the pavilion project scope and is funded through a grant.

The Chamber of Commerce Foundation plans to complete three traditional mural projects this summer.

For more information on the Principal® Pavilion or Building Our Brand projects, contact Robin Anderson at the Chamber.