Group plans Mason City downtown housing

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) - A Mason City organization plans to build a three-story upscale housing development near the city's downtown.

The Globe Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/1D2L1qQ ) the Good Shepherd Inc. board of directors on Friday approved a plan for the 32 units of housing. Most will have two bedrooms, and the development will include underground parking, outdoor patio areas and green space.

The housing will be available for residents age 55 and older, fitting into the organization's efforts to provide a variety of housing as people age.

The group has already bought 12 properties that will be used as part of the development. Existing houses will be moved or demolished.

Mike Svejda, chief executive officer of Good Shepherd, says he hopes the project will be completed in about a year.

Cost details weren't released.

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Information from: Globe Gazette, http://www.globegazette.com/