Campustown redevelopment

[zwclones51]

I just wish I had tons of money so I could buy out Outlaws and make that into a way cooler bar. That place has tons of potential there but it seems like nobody ever goes there. That place could be the best bar in Ames if it changed from a cowboy kind of bar to a more hip, new age kind of place.

 

[Frak]

I actually sent an email to one of the Lane4 people with my ideas. What I basically got back was a "thanks for your ideas, that's similar to what we've seen in a lot of our focus groups". So if that's the case, why are they proposing something completely different? I wonder if they REALLY want to be successful in Ames or if they'd rather propose something that gets shot down and say that they gave it a shot.

They have a chance to do some really cool stuff considering they have the city and university behind them, but so far what they've come out with lacks imagination and really, any business sense. Would a grocery store/pharmacy in the most high profile spot in Campustown really make it? With two huge HyVee's only 5 minutes away plus convenience stores in the dorms and MU? Would a regular bar like Mickeys or Sgt Peppers make it if their rent was doubled? I can't see it. From my viewpoint, Lane4 is either stubborn, unimaginative or they've given up. To me, Campustown redevelopment HAS to start with closing off Welch, moving the fire station and opening up that parking lot behind Copyworks.

 

[Cyclone_Grav]

A few things:

1.) I think its sad that they are considering using eminent domain to clear out some of these business owners. I have no problem with its use when it serves some higher social cause, but who is being served here? A completely legitimate business is being thrown to the wayside so someone else can take a gamble on another enterprise that may not necessarily work out. And what is wrong with developing the area but keeping some of its businesses? While some people call businesses like tattoo parlors, comic book shops, print shops eye sores, I would call it the very diversity they are looking to impart on the area. I think they need to incorporate into the plan a certain percentage of current businesses that they will keep.

2.) If the buildings of campustown end of looking like anything that was pictured in that brochure posted earlier, I think I will puke. It looks like any other redevelopment project across the nation. If they are going to redesign the area, be creative. Make it unique. Aesthetic quality is one of the most important things in attracting a business and people. If its something they've seen before, it becomes uninteresting.

3.) Whatever they do, they desperately need some entertainment venue that is suitable for the under 21 population and/or families. These types of businesses will drive the demand for other eateries and service based enterprises into the area. without this welch will always be just a group of bars.

4.) Whatever they do I hope they are seeking out the opinions of the permanent residents of campustown. Its not all just students and ultimately, this project effects them more than anyone else. There is a very affluent, educated population who reside in the area. If they can find what attracts this group then there is another base in which to build off of.

 

[CONEClone]

I just wish I had tons of money so I could buy out Outlaws and make that into a way cooler bar. That place has tons of potential there but it seems like nobody ever goes there. That place could be the best bar in Ames if it changed from a cowboy kind of bar to a more hip, new age kind of place.

Like Element? Outlaws needs to stay.

 

[Wesley]

Bars are always going to be the cash cow in campus town. That is where the money is always going to be and always will. I dont see why some people think the bars are all going to go away. These plans just seem to want ot make the place look better and offer more options.

If the bars go away, instead of walking home drunk, students will drive home drunk from downtown. If the idea is to get rid of drinking, that may be tough.

 

[aforstate]

I just wish I had tons of money so I could buy out Outlaws and make that into a way cooler bar. That place has tons of potential there but it seems like nobody ever goes there. That place could be the best bar in Ames if it changed from a cowboy kind of bar to a more hip, new age kind of place.

That has been tried to an extent. It was a failed experiment called 'Reign' and it sucked... badly.

 

[Frak]

A few things:

1.) I think its sad that they are considering using eminent domain to clear out some of these business owners. I have no problem with its use when it serves some higher social cause, but who is being served here? A completely legitimate business is being thrown to the wayside so someone else can take a gamble on another enterprise that may not necessarily work out. And what is wrong with developing the area but keeping some of its businesses? While some people call businesses like tattoo parlors, comic book shops, print shops eye sores, I would call it the very diversity they are looking to impart on the area. I think they need to incorporate into the plan a certain percentage of current businesses that they will keep.

2.) If the buildings of campustown end of looking like anything that was pictured in that brochure posted earlier, I think I will puke. It looks like any other redevelopment project across the nation. If they are going to redesign the area, be creative. Make it unique. Aesthetic quality is one of the most important things in attracting a business and people. If its something they've seen before, it becomes uninteresting.

3.) Whatever they do, they desperately need some entertainment venue that is suitable for the under 21 population and/or families. These types of businesses will drive the demand for other eateries and service based enterprises into the area. without this welch will always be just a group of bars.

4.) Whatever they do I hope they are seeking out the opinions of the permanent residents of campustown. Its not all just students and ultimately, this project effects them more than anyone else. There is a very affluent, educated population who reside in the area. If they can find what attracts this group then there is another base in which to build off of.

I don't know that they are "considering" using eminent domain, they just haven't ruled it out. My opinion is that some of these buildings are run-down shacks and NEED bulldozed. If those owners won't take the money, then eminent domain SHOULD be used if they are holding up the entire project. There's always going to be commercial spots available for lease...those businesses may just have to move out of prime territory and up the street a block. As for serving a higher social cause, my argument would be that the city and university are starting to understand the importance of Campustown. It is EXTREMELY important to the university as far as recruiting students. If I were them, I probably wouldn't let the owner of Mayhem Collectibles or Subway or Copyworks stand in my way of making that area better.

That said, I've been extremely unimpressed with Lane4's vision, communication and strategy with this whole thing. If they don't come up with something cool and exciting, they are going to get a huge backlash and it will probably be deserved.