Downtown Ames:
A Guiding Vision For The Future
Guiding Vision
Document
The City of Ames and Ames Main Street are collaborating 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!
Guiding Vision Implementation in Action
Outdoor Café Pilot Program
Implemented June 2026
The Outdoor Café Pilot Program is the first project to be implemented through the Downtown Ames Guiding Vision. Designed to enhance the pedestrian experience and activate public spaces, the pilot launched in 2026 at Sam’s Place and Della Viti.
Outdoor Cafés will be installed annually from April 1 through October 31, creating seasonal gathering spaces that support local businesses and contribute to a vibrant downtown experience.
This project would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of our public and private partners. Thank you to 10Fold Architecture + Engineering, ABC Supply Co. Inc., Iowa Home Crafters, Munn Lumber, TimberTech, Ames Home Builders Association, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, and the City of Ames for helping bring this vision to life.
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
