Downtown Ames Master Plan
Planning Our Future
The City of Ames and Ames Main Street are collaborating to develop a plan for the future of downtown. The plan will provide a guide for improving the area over the next 15 plus years, understanding that the area will continue to adapt to market changes.
The Downtown Ames Master Plan will be a guide to promoting redevelopment, enhancing the streetscapes and facades, improving connectivity to and within downtown, identifying housing opportunities, increasing economic development, and more!
Master Plan Community Survey
Located in the heart of our city, Downtown Ames is the place where our community gathers, businesses grow, and history runs deep. Your input is invaluable as we shape the future through our Master Plan.
The Master Plan will be our compass that guides future growth and development in the heart of Ames. By sharing your thoughts, you play a crucial role in defining what’s next for Downtown—ensuring it remains the heart of our community.
How Can I Get Involved?
In Progress – attend focus group meetings, a community wide open house, answer surveys, stop by information tents at upcoming street events and farmers’ markets.
Coming Soon – share ideas on an interactive mapping tool!
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 Master Plan Update emails.
Notes From Past Meetings
Click on the buttons below to view past meetings for the Downtown Ames Master Plan.
Downtown Ames Master Plan Timeline
2022
January:
Ames Main Street charged with “what’s your next big thing?” for Downtown Ames.
Ames Main Street revises mission and vision.
February:
Ames Main Street determines strategic goals to support the mission and vision.
April / May:
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
Summer:
“The Next Big Thing” heading changes to “Downtown Ames Master Plan”.
September/October:
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.
Steering Committee
Sam Stagg
Nicole Rasmussen
Ellyn Grimm
Jason Jennings
Elizabeth Erbes
Chris Nelson
Chuck Winkleblack
Tim Gartin
Brian Phillips
Kelly Diekmann
Crystal Davis
Dylan Kline
2024
February:
Selection Committee is re-formed to select design consulting firm. Bolton-Menk is selected.
Design Firm Selection Committee:
Sam Stagg
Nicole Rasmussen
Ellyn Grimm
Jason Jennings
Elizabeth Erbes
Heather Johnson
Chris Nelson
Chuck Winkleblack
Brian Phillips
Kelly Diekmann
Travis Toliver
Dylan Kline
Spring:
Formation of a Steering Committee to include community partners.
Summer:
Community input opportunities that include: attending a focus group meeting or completing a Master Plan Community Survey.
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+ Master Plan Investor
$1,000+ Master Plan Investor
$500+ Master Plan Investor
Project Timeline
2022:
January:
Ames Main Street charged with “what’s your next big thing?” for Downtown Ames.
Ames Main Street revises mission and vision.
February:
Ames Main Street determines strategic goals to support the mission and vision.
April / May:
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:
Summer:
“The Next Big Thing” heading changes to “Downtown Ames Master Plan”.
September / October
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.
Steering Committee:
Sam Stagg
Nicole Rasmussen
Ellyn Grimm
Jason Jennings
Elizabeth Erbes
Chris Nelson
Chuck Winkleblack
Tim Rasmussen
Brian Phillips
Kelly Diekmann
Crystal Davis
Dylan Kline
2024:
February:
Selection Committee is re-formed to select design consulting firm. Bolton-Menk is selected.
Steering Committee:
Sam Stagg
Nicole Rasmussen
Ellyn Grimm
Jason Jennings
Elizabeth Erbes
Heather Johnson
Chris Nelson
Chuck Winkleblack
Brian Phillips
Kelly Diekmann
Crystal Davis
Dylan Kline
Spring:
Formation of a Steering Committee to include community partners.
