Ames urbanization and densification

[Cypow]

Wanted to hear some thoughts and opinions on population growth and densification in Ames.

Ames is seemingly a town with many centers. Campustown has become the most "urban" feeling of Ames' neighborhoods, and downtown often feels neglected (aside from Main Street). While looking at other college towns like Iowa City, Ames is obviously less dense and more sprawly than similarly-sized towns (like Iowa City).

Once development starts up again, where would you like to see the focus of real estate development?

Downtown? Focusing on filling in parking lots and building along Lincoln Way just south of Main Street.

Campustown? Continue the push for a real urban-feeling neighborhood in Ames.

Elsewhere? Infill with apartments where space is available. Perhaps around the Iowa State Center if the hotel and Entertainment District is eventually built. Build more apartments along Lincoln Way between downtown and campus.

Expand the suburban sprawl? I doubt many people want this but thought I'd ask regardless.

Other opinions?

 

[Cyched]

South Duff could be a good location for a fast food joint. Maybe a mattress store?

 

[nfrine]

South Duff could be a good location for a fast food joint. Maybe a mattress store?

How about an auto parts store? Much needed.

 

[Cyched]

How about an auto parts store? Much needed.

Now we’re talking

 

[Dopey]

Came back for the first time in a long time with a family and a different perspective. The eastern part of Lincoln way & Duff Ave is not very appealing.

 

[Cyched]

Came back for the first time in a long time with a family and a different perspective. The eastern part of Lincoln way & Duff Ave is not very appealing.

But the Tip Top is an institution

 

[cycloneG]

Somerset needs more development considering all the new building occurring in the area around Somerset.

No chains.

 

[JM4CY]

Staying in Somerset tonight actually. Kinda pissed Walabys doesn’t do take out tonight. Hopefully just cuz their too busy. Ordered Jeff’s. Cheese sticks were good but man, no Gumby’s (RIP).

 

[MuskieCy]

Ames as a dense urban environment.

That is the lead joke for my next set,

"Ames = KC,

Davenport = Chicago,

DM = Manhattan!" Killer,....thanks.

 

[JM4CY]

South Duff could be a good location for a fast food joint. Maybe a mattress store?

 

[Cytown12]

Staying in Somerset tonight actually. Kinda pissed Walabys doesn’t do take out tonight. Hopefully just cuz their too busy. Ordered Jeff’s. Cheese sticks were good but man, no Gumby’s (RIP).

What I would do to have a pokey sticks right. Yum!

 

[nfrine]

Ames could use a good BBQ joint...

 

[Dr.bannedman]

where is not steve deace and his main street whatever campaign

 

[Fitzy]

What Ames really needs is a fast route to get to the northwest part of town in fewer than 20 minutes from the interstate or H30

 

[cyfan92]

I think it'd be great to develop the main street are more. But if you take even 1 parking spot away. Or make people walk an extra 30 steps. Obese and lazy America will RIOT

 

[theshadow]

I think it'd be great to develop the main street are more. But if you take even 1 parking spot away. Or make people walk an extra 30 steps. Obese and lazy America will RIOT

People lost their **** when the parking meters downtown went to $1/hr.

 

[Cycsk]

Wanted to hear some thoughts and opinions on population growth and densification in Ames.

Ames is seemingly a town with many centers. Campustown has become the most "urban" feeling of Ames' neighborhoods, and downtown often feels neglected (aside from Main Street). While looking at other college towns like Iowa City, Ames is obviously less dense and more sprawly than similarly-sized towns (like Iowa City).

Once development starts up again, where would you like to see the focus of real estate development?

Downtown? Focusing on filling in parking lots and building along Lincoln Way just south of Main Street.

Campustown? Continue the push for a real urban-feeling neighborhood in Ames.

Elsewhere? Infill with apartments where space is available. Perhaps around the Iowa State Center if the hotel and Entertainment District is eventually built. Build more apartments along Lincoln Way between downtown and campus.

Expand the suburban sprawl? I doubt many people want this but thought I'd ask regardless.

Other opinions?

What's your agenda? Seems like nearly all your posts are about development in Ames, sometimes with an odd twist. For instance, there can't be very many of us that are truly interested in an in-depth discussion about Ames urban development right now, given Covid-19, the economic mess, Jamie Pollard saying once again that there may be no fans at football games, and the fact that large sections of Ames still don't have power after the storm.

Are you a developer? Investor in the Lincoln Way project? Are you anti-development of certain types? I'm interested in why you are so interested.

 

[EarthIsMan]

What Ames really needs is a fast route to get to the northwest part of town in fewer than 20 minutes from the interstate or H30

Isn’t that the 13th street exit off I-35?

 

[cycloneG]

Isn’t that the 13th street exit off I-35?

That really doesn't get you to northwest Ames very quickly.

 

[Angie]

I think it'd be great to develop the main street are more. But if you take even 1 parking spot away. Or make people walk an extra 30 steps. Obese and lazy America will RIOT

The problem is that Main Street gets so much of the money and attention from the city, but it is not an area that about 90% of the population of Ames visits (or at least needs to visit). I enjoy the little boutiques and shops, and get my hair done down there. But it is sort of like Campustown - more of a pain than it is worth most of the time.