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.
Sip and Stroll District Established!
Enjoy a drink while you explore Downtown Ames!
The Sip & Stroll District gives patrons the opportunity to purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating downtown business and enjoy it while strolling through the designated district during approved events.
How It Works
Look for the Sip & Stroll signs at participating businesses and throughout the district. Businesses participating in the program are located within the district and hold a Class C or Special Class C liquor license.
When a participating business is offering Sip & Stroll:
- Purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating business.
- Your drink must be served in the approved clear plastic container and have the participating business’ name clearly displayed on the label.
- Take your drink with you as you explore the Sip & Stroll District.
- Enjoy your beverage within the designated district, including sidewalks, Tom Evans Park, Cynthia Duff Plaza and participating businesses.
- Each participating business may decide whether patrons are permitted to bring Sip & Stroll beverages inside their establishment.
Look for the Signs
Participating businesses will display a Sip & Stroll sign so you know where you can purchase an alcoholic beverage to take with you. Signs will also be placed on light poles throughout the district to help identify the designated area.
Participation is voluntary, so not every business within the district will participate.
Grab a drink, explore downtown and enjoy the Sip & Stroll experience!
Please drink responsibly and follow all applicable laws and regulations.
What Does This Mean for Businesses?
Participation in the Sip and Stroll District is optional. Businesses located within the designated district that hold a Class C or Special Class C liquor license may participate.
Participating businesses may allow customers to take alcoholic beverages outside of their establishment and enjoy them within the designated Sip and Stroll District during approved events, including sidewalks and Tom Evans Park and Cynthia Duff Plaza.
Businesses choosing to participate are asked to:
- Serve beverages in clear plastic containers
- Ensure containers are properly labeled with the participating business’s name
- Follow all applicable liquor laws and regulations
- Ensure staff understand the boundaries and requirements of the Sip and Stroll District
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
