NISS Excavating began taking down the former Hilltop Motel last week to make room for a new hotel which will resemble a piece of Clear Lake history. The Oaks, built in 1893 on the north shore, was destroyed by fire in July 1922. Later the Allen Motel was built on the property. Over the years the look of the hotel evolved and ownership changed, leading up to its recent purchase and inclusion in the Surf District, which with the help of a Destination Iowa Placemaking grant is being reimagined.
