Cytown Update

[Clone1992]

Man, talk about off topic. I remember getting berated for posting somethings slightly topic adjacent in the past. But we now have a beer thread in the Cytown thread, like we now have an any uniforms in the world for any sport, in the Cyclone Uni thread.

Does anyone have any actual Cytown info?

To be fair this whole forum is supposed to be "General Iowa State Discussion" and a large percentage of the threads have nothing to do with Iowa State. It's kind of what we do here.

 

[Mr.G.Spot]

Man, talk about off topic. I remember getting berated for posting somethings slightly topic adjacent in the past. But we now have a beer thread in the Cytown thread, like we now have an any uniforms in the world for any sport, in the Cyclone Uni thread.

Does anyone have any actual Cytown info?

They're having private meetings for the people that are interested in the condos. They want to presell 30 of them that will build one building and then an additional 15 out of 30 that will build the second building.

They would like to have everything announced and under construction and open as soon as possible, but hopefully toward late '27.

 

[RustShack]

At this point, the last update was the tweet on July 7th about the full design team. McFarland building is progressing. We’re basically just waiting for any other tenants (like a brewery…) to be named. Otherwise, probably won’t see any more groundbreaking until spring ‘26.

I think they have their brewery already, not sure what the hold up is on the announcement.

 

[theshadow]

At this point, the last update was the tweet on July 7th about the full design team. McFarland building is progressing. We’re basically just waiting for any other tenants (like a brewery…) to be named. Otherwise, probably won’t see any more groundbreaking until spring ‘26.

Which is still in line with what Jamie said back in February:

*McFarland breaking ground Spring 2025
*Earliest for any other ground being moved would be late Fall 2025
*Probably take 6 months for the process of selecting contractors, negotiating leases, etc.
*Then go back to BOR, usually a 2-month process given their meeting schedule
*Heavy 2026 construction season
*Majority of CyTown up and running by late 2027

 

[BACyclone]

Nope, exile is much worse. I'll grant you that. And I had hope for them when they were new, but they never reached what I had hoped for them. Firetrucker in Ankeny is in the same boat.

Lua is definitely my favorite in DSM. And I loved 515 the one time I've been there, but that was a looooong time ago.

I would agree that Exile is probably among the bottom 10 of breweries in Iowa when it come to beer I'd find myself buying.

However to the point of the discussion, their G.G. beer is a consistent Gold medal winner in its category at GABF. I guess it's the proverbial blind squirrel and nut analogy.

 

[cykadelic2]

I think they have their brewery already, not sure what the hold up is on the announcement.

I kind of question a brewery going in there that actually brews a high volume of beer at that site given the space and logistical requirements of breweries I've been to. My guess is the primary food/beverage tenant will be more of a sports bar with a wide selection of local beers and national brands.

 

[CascadeClone]

They're having private meetings for the people that are interested in the condos. They want to presell 30 of them that will build one building and then an additional 15 out of 30 that will build the second building.

They would like to have everything announced and under construction and open as soon as possible, but hopefully toward late '27.

Is it still you don't own, you just buy a 10 year lease?

 

[8thfloor]

I think they have their brewery already, not sure what the

I kind of question a brewery going in there that actually brews a high volume of beer at that site given the space and logistical requirements of breweries I've been to. My guess is the primary food/beverage tenant will be more of a sports bar with a wide selection of local beers and national brands.

It could also be a taproom for a "major" Iowa brewery where they just serve their beers and maybe a small brewing operation?

 

[Frak]

It could also be a taproom for a "major" Iowa brewery where they just serve their beers and maybe a small brewing operation?

I agree. I really doubt that they’re brewing anything on site. With the cost of the lease, it makes a lot more sense to have seating than brewing equipment. I’d be shocked if it wasn’t a taproom.

 

[cykadelic2]

It could also be a taproom for a "major" Iowa brewery where they just serve their beers and maybe a small brewing operation?

That is even more unlikely IMO. The primary establishment there needs to cater to all age groups and food/beverage taste buds which a taproom would not do.

 

[Cyclonsin]

I agree. I really doubt that they’re brewing anything on site. With the cost of the lease, it makes a lot more sense to have seating than brewing equipment. I’d be shocked if it wasn’t a taproom.

Assuming a brewery does end up in CyTown, I'd expect (hope) they install a small 3ish barrel brewhouse that can whip up some exclusive, constantly rotating brews just for that location. It'd help bring in visitors more regularly just to see what's new on tap, and it adds a nice feel of authenticity to see some tanks. Something like that can exist in a surprisingly tiny footprint.

 

[TitanClone]

It could also be a taproom for a "major" Iowa brewery where they just serve their beers and maybe a small brewing operation?

A place like Taps on Main in KC would be great for the busier days.

 

[CY9008]

Welcome back Olde Main!

Would love a Dinkey Wheat from back in the day.

 

[2speedy1]

To be fair this whole forum is supposed to be "General Iowa State Discussion" and a large percentage of the threads have nothing to do with Iowa State. It's kind of what we do here.

Well there are definitely parts of the forum that are for non ISU related subjects, but yes we definitely get off subject at times. I just find it funny that some that get mad at others for being off topic are the same ones that are consistently posting off topic.

I never really cared about off topic posts, as conversations ebb and flow like that, and in reality all we are doing here is having a conversation. But when I got accused of being off subject on posts that would be considered barely topic adjacent, I started noticing the same people that complained to me, are the ones that post off topic constantly in other posts, like this one.

 

[2speedy1]

Really I think something similar to this would work great.

Iowa Taproom - Des Moines, IA

The Iowa Taproom supports the growing tradition of diversity, creativity and excellence in Iowa beer. We also celebrate all of Iowa, from the farms to small towns and larger cities. We salut...

iowataproom.com

 

[SolarGarlic]

As a person who cares very little about beer quality, isn't it more important to secure a brewery that builds an attractive space? I'll drink average beer anywhere if the vibe is right.

 

[CycloneEggie]

As a person who cares very little about beer quality, isn't it more important to secure a brewery that builds an attractive space? I'll drink average beer anywhere if the vibe is right.

This! Firetrucker doesn't have the best beers, although I like the Brigrade and my wife doesn't like craft beer but really likes there Cat Dragon or Copper Cat Ginger Beers, but the location is perfect.

 

[KennyPratt42]

As a person who cares very little about beer quality, isn't it more important to secure a brewery that builds an attractive space? I'll drink average beer anywhere if the vibe is right.

I would say management is going to be the biggest key. They will have to be able to gear up for 6 to 7 insanely busy days a year plus 20 to 30 days that are really busy with games/events/concerts while still being able to operate well every other days of the year when its a normal restaurant/bar crowd.

The beer, food, and space have to all at least be average to good, but how well they can be run and how efficient their service can be will make a bigger difference to their success and how everyone views the place.

 

[SayMyName]

Assuming a brewery does end up in CyTown, I'd expect (hope) they install a small 3ish barrel brewhouse that can whip up some exclusive, constantly rotating brews just for that location. It'd help bring in visitors more regularly just to see what's new on tap, and it adds a nice feel of authenticity to see some tanks. Something like that can exist in a surprisingly tiny footprint.

You must've not been at the bowl game in Phoenix when Cyclone fans drank the on-site LEINENKUGLES brewery out of beer...

 

[cytor]

Well there are definitely parts of the forum that are for non ISU related subjects, but yes we always get off subject at times. I just find it funny that some that get mad at others for being off topic are the same ones that are consistently posting off topic.

I never really cared about off topic posts, as conversations ebb and flow like that, and in reality all we are doing here is having a conversation. But when I got accused of being off subject on posts that would be considered barely topic adjacent, I started noticing the same people that complained to me, are the ones that post off topic constantly in other posts, like this one.

FIFY