Campustown Redevelopment

[ISU22CY]

Yes. There was three book stores, the Campus Book Store, the one across from the Memorial Union, and the bookstore in the Union.

Campus book store was across the street from the MU when I was in school.

 

[chuckd4735]

Is parking the major issue that keeps business from being able to last on Lincoln Way in campustown? It’s hard to believe a CVS couldn’t make it. Restaurants come and go constantly, heck I even thought the kum and go convenience store was a great idea.

No. As @Havs said, you need to create the human density to make these locations successful. Parking is always the simple excuse people go with as to why things don't work. If you create an environment where people are already located, you don't need parking. Additionally, if you create an environment people want to come to, they will find a way to get there.

 

[Jammin’]

The thing with Campustown is that I wish more student housing were built down there to have more of a built-in customer base within walking distance. CyTown will be serving a completely different demographic than students.

Not saying I’m right or wrong, but I’ve always thought higher density on Sheldon west of campus made sense being so close to the engineering buildings.

-I’m not 100% sure it’s a requirement anymore for first floor needing to be commercial, but if Campustown area did increase density with new buildings, I’d look into get rid of that requirement as I feel it’s overkill for that unique area.

 

[Pat]

No. As @Havs said, you need to create the human density to make these locations successful. Parking is always the simple excuse people go with as to why things don't work. If you create an environment where people are already located, you don't need parking. Additionally, if you create an environment people want to come to, they will find a way to get there.

CVS closed over 300 locations in 2024. They aggressively expanded and it backfired, so this wasn’t an Ames-only issue.

 

[TXCyclones]

Yes. There was three book stores, the Campus Book Store, the one across from the Memorial Union, and the bookstore in the Union.

There were three book stores, but the CVS/People's is not where one of the book stores was. The bar was called People's because prior to it being a bar it was called People's Drug Store.

 

[JK4ISU]

There were three book stores, but the CVS/People's is not where one of the book stores was. The bar was called People's because prior to it being a bar it was called People's Drug Store.

It was Student Supply Store and was East of Welch on Lincoln Way toward the theater.

 

[thisISnextyear]

It was Student Supply Store and was East of Welch on Lincoln Way toward the theater.

try telling a student today that they had to PICKUP their syllabus at Copyworks...

 

[cycloneG]

This 'viral mac and cheese place' is on its way to Ames. Find out where:

Roni's Mac Bar, the "Viral Mac and Cheese Place," has announced its upcoming arrival at 2702 Lincoln Way in Ames.

www.amestrib.com

 

[cy4state]

Two Mac and Cheese spots a couple blocks apart that seems kind of odd. Macubana is one we like to visit.

 

[clydeclone]

In my day it was a place where you bought your books. And then sold them back at the end of the quarter.

For 15 cents on the dollar.

 

[theshadow]

Not specifically Campustown, but was driving through the other day and noticed that the Alpha Copies building on Lincoln Way (between McD's and Szechuan House) has been bulldozed. That's a vacant lot now.

And the old Swift Stop at Lincoln Way/Franklin has been cleared, leveled, and a new building is going up -- another Casey's.

 

[cy4state]

Not specifically Campustown, but was driving through the other day and noticed that the Alpha Copies building on Lincoln Way (between McD's and Szechuan House) has been bulldozed. That's a vacant lot now.

And the old Swift Stop at Lincoln Way/Franklin has been cleared, leveled, and a new building is going up -- another Casey's.

I believe 7 Brew Coffee is going there.

 

[Havs]

Two Mac and Cheese spots a couple blocks apart that seems kind of odd. Macubana is one we like to visit.

I tried this after you posted. Very good!

 

[theshadow]

Baby steps on the new fire station.

City Council awarded a contract for Schematic Design and Design Development last night. Location will be on ISU land, somewhere on the west side of State (specific site TBD).

 

[cyclone87]

A few different businesses I’ve noticed coming to campustown. Roni’s Mac Bar (2700 Lincoln Way), Rally House campustown location (former CVS), and Hyper Energy Bar (next to Blaze Pizza)

 

[cyclone87]

Also, Krause sold the former Battles and PO properties.

 

[JEFF420]

Baby steps on the new fire station.

City Council awarded a contract for Schematic Design and Design Development last night. Location will be on ISU land, somewhere on the west side of State (specific site TBD).

if @ChrisMWilliams williams doesn't buy that firehouse with his connections.... idk man

 

[theshadow]

It seems there's a liquor store going into the old Subway location as well.

Crown Liquor, 113 Welch

 

[charlie_B]

Also, Krause sold the former Battles and PO properties.

I did not know that. I see the owner of AJs / BNC bought them

 

[CY9008]

A few different businesses I’ve noticed coming to campustown. Roni’s Mac Bar (2700 Lincoln Way), Rally House campustown location (former CVS), and Hyper Energy Bar (next to Blaze Pizza)

Hyper will kill it next to campus. Idk about another Rally there. Could go either way…seems spendy for a college kid demographic.