Modern Brotherhood of America Building

Commonly referred to as the MBA Building, the Modern Brotherhood of America Building is one of the most prominent landmarks in Mason City. The MBA, which was a fraternal organization that provided life insurance to its members, erected the building in 1917. It is the only office building in the city from the early 20th century still standing. It is eight stories tall and features a terra cotta exterior except for the granite base, sets of triple windows, segmental arches on the seventh floor, and an elaborate capital at the top with decorative terra cotta cartouches. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

The MBA was established in Tipton, Iowa in 1897. It moved its headquarters to Mason City in 1915 and in August that year, it approved the construction of the MBA Building. The MBA bought the site in December from another fraternal organization called the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, whose building was partially demolished to make way for the new structure (the section of the Elks building that still stands is directly to the south). The MBA Building opened to great fanfare on June 6 and 7, 1917. The event included a variety of activities such as concerts, speeches, vaudeville performances, and even Chinese acrobats. Among the speakers was former President William Howard Taft.

The MBA merged with the Independent Order of Foresters by 1948. That year, the Order sold the building to Mason City Brick and Tile Company, which renamed it to the Brick and Tile Building. It was sold again in 1973 and in 2000. It is unclear whether the building has been sold since then.

Arbogast, David. "Modern Brotherhood of America Building." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. September 12, 2002. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/c8a2cef6-8f54-4bca-9cb8-f64ceab9a3b8.