CLEAR LAKE, IOWA — June 19, 2026 — Community leaders, project partners, investors and special guests gathered on Friday, June 19, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Oaks Hotel by GrandStay, marking the beginning of construction on a transformational project in Clear Lake’s historic Surf District. Although inclement weather moved the ceremony indoors to the Music Enrichment Center (MEC), the occasion represented an important milestone in the continued revitalization of the historic Surf District and the return of one of Clear Lake’s most recognizable landmarks.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds joined local leaders and project supporters in celebrating the start of the multi-million-dollar development. Scheduled to open in July 2027, the four-story, 66-room hotel will become the final major addition to the revitalized Surf District. Located on the former Hilltop Motel site, the Oaks Hotel by GrandStay will offer modern amenities including an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, bar and lounge, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces inspired by the rich history and character of Clear Lake.
The new hotel pays tribute to the original Oaks Hotel, which was first built in the late 1800s and served as a prominent destination before being destroyed by fire in 1922. More than a century later, the iconic landmark is being reimagined for a new generation while honoring the community’s heritage and connection to the recently opened Music Enrichment Center, Surf Ballroom and the lake.
“What I love about this particular hotel is that it’s not a cookie-cutter hotel; it’s not a box hotel,” said Chelsy Anderson, with Dean Snyder Construction and a member of the Surf Ballroom Board of Directors. “You’re not going to find this type of hotel anywhere else in the United States. It will help guest to reimagine what life was like 100 years ago in Clear Lake.”
Designed to blend boutique charm with modern comforts, the Oaks Hotel by GrandStay is intended to create a one-of-a-kind guest experience while supporting tourism, economic development and the continued growth of the Clear Lake community.
“The Oaks Hotel represents far more than a new place to stay,” said George Janssen, from MarketPointe Commercial Real Estate Services and Master Developer of the project. “It represents the return of an important piece of Clear Lake history and reflects the vision, commitment and collaboration of so many people who have worked together to make this dream a reality. We are proud to help play a role in bring this landmark back to life.”
Development of the Oaks Hotel by GrandStay is being led by MarketPointe Commercial Real Estate Services, in partnership with Dean Snyder Construction, DesignWise, Atura Architecture, IDM Hospitality, GrandStay Hotels, and numerous local investors and community stakeholders.
Once completed, the hotel will further strengthen Clear Lake’s position as one of Iowa’s premier destinations and provide visitors with an authentic experience rooted in the history and spirit of the Surf District.
About the Oaks Hotel by GrandStay
The Oaks Hotel by GrandStay is a 66-room hotel currently under construction in Clear Lake, Iowa’s historic Surf District. Inspired by the original Oaks Hotel that welcomed visitors to the community more than a century ago, the new property combines modern amenities with timeless character to create a distinctive destination unlike any other in the Midwest.