Downtown Ames:
A Guiding Vision For The Future
Guiding Vision
Document
The City of Ames and Ames Main Street are collaborated on a plan for the future of downtown. The plan provides a guide for improving the area over the next 15 plus years, understanding that the area will continue to adapt to market changes.
Our Guiding Vision for the Future will be utilized for promoting redevelopment, enhancing the streetscapes and facades, improving connectivity to and within downtown, identifying housing opportunities, increasing economic development, and more!
Stay in the Loop for More Information
Stay tuned to this page for more information in the coming weeks and months and learn how you can get involved, make your voice heard, or donate to the project!
You can also sign up for Downtown Ames emails related to the Guiding Vision.
Guiding Vision Timeline
2022-2025
2022
- Ames Main Street charged with “what’s your next big thing?” for Downtown Ames.
Ames Main Street revises mission and vision. - Ames Main Street determines strategic goals to support the mission and vision.
- Ames Main Street hosts community input sessions to help develop “The Next Big Thing” for Downtown Ames. Narrow project ideas into viable options to include, but not limited to: enhancing gathering spaces, streetscape improvements, downtown living initiatives.
2023
- “The Next Big Thing” heading changes to “Downtown Ames Master Plan”.
- Ames Main Street partners with City of Ames on Downtown Ames Master Plan.
Ames Main Street forms a Steering Committee. Prepares Scope of Services and reviews presentations from two design consulting firms.
2024
- Selection Committee is re-formed to select design consulting firm. Bolton-Menk is selected.
- Formation of a Steering Committee to include community partners.
- Community input opportunities that include: attending a focus group meeting or completing a Master Plan Community Survey.
2025
- Open House Community Preview Event
- Ames City Council presentation by Ames Main Street and Bolton & Menk
- Guiding Vision Implementation Taskforce members identified
- Ames City Council Acceptance (February 2025)
- Implementation task force meetings started (priorities were discussed and set)
2026
Short-term projects identified:
- Shared dumpster program
- Pilot parklet program
- Sip & Stroll District
- Tom Evans Plaza refresh
Long-term projects identified:
- Multi modal parking structure
- Creation of festival streets
City of Ames
We are proud to partner with the City of Ames on this project as we plan ahead for the future of Downtown Ames!
$10,000+ Guiding Vision Investor
$1,000+ Guiding Vision Investor
$500+ Guiding Vision Investor
