CyTown Announcement - Monday 9/19 (Links in OP)

[NetflixAndClone]

Several of my sons spent some summers in Ames with internships and keeping a few life guarding shifts. There is a constant parade of high school and junior high kids with various events and camps. With younger kids, the parents are also in town. Looking for stuff to do while the kids are otherwise amused.

I think JP has taken his mission to restore Stephens to glory as part of this too. For every dreamer there are dozens of naysayers.

The last few years we have usually been parking on campus. Way easier to leave after the game. This would make it easier to go to the center before and after a game if we don’t have friends or relatives tailgating. Easy to grab a drink and hang out. And I will happily visit Reiman Gardens in summer and frequent the place.

I have family that are Ames Residents both cyclones fans and aren't. They both are pumped about the addition for more dining options especially ones that will be closer than Duff and North Ames. I'm just hoping for a good sports bar that I can meet friends at when i come down to visit in the off season.

 

[IAC1858]

The plans look to include a parking ramp near the Alumni Center. There is an entrance/exit from Beach Avenue and an exit/entrance into the parking lot to the east.

 

[nfrine]

Don't be a prick, I was just asking the question. I know at one point there were plans to pave G4/G5 but wasn't sure if this was part of the project.

It didn't look like a question....

 

[NickJoos]

Here's a link to the web site; the University is redirecting it now to the correct domain name ... Cyclones.com/cytown

Also, the suites are something that an individual could live in year-around if they so desired. They just don't own them when the lease is up.

 

[Trice]

I think the concerns about net parking spaces have been a little misplaced, as we've had reassurances all along that there would be as much or more parking available after this project as before.

But this will definitely change the tailgating scene. It bisects that massive parking lot, much like a freeway cutting through a downtown area. Each half of the parking lot will feel smaller, with 2-3 story buildings no more than a couple hundred yards away.

It'll be interesting to see if or how that affects the scene on gameday.

 

[cyIclSoneU]

I think JP has taken his mission to restore Stephens to glory as part of this too. For every dreamer there are dozens of naysayers.

Wasn't it just earlier this year that JP threatened to close CY Stephens? I don't know why Athletics is tasked with running it but it clearly is not a priority of his (and it makes sense for it not to be). It needs to be preserved but it also needs to be in the control of an entity that wants to preserve it.

 

[Linusvanp3lt]

Since the Covid, we have had higher capacity fills of games at JTS. Hilton was fairly full coming off one of the worst MBB seasons ever. Many businesses are pushing to go back to inperson at least some of the time. People are also wanting to get out of their home if they WFH, so it isn't such a crazy idea.

You're proving my point. Some businesses are pushing employees to sometimes be in person? Compare that to previous all employees in office every day, doesn't that make being in business of office space far less attractive? Look up some office space REITs recent performance. With interest rates, costs doubled, and tenant* fell, and knock on spend of tenets fell which made support business/restaurant occupancy fall.

 

[BCClone]

You're proving my point. Some businesses are pushing employees to sometimes be in person? Compare that to previous all employees in office every day, doesn't that make being in business of office space far less attractive? Look up some office space REITs recent performance. With interest rates, costs doubled, and tenets fell, and knock on spend of tenets fell which made support business/restaurant occupancy fall.

I know several that have went back to full in person. Some are part time in person now. During Covid, very few were in person, so it is increasing. ISU has a captive audience with the University and the events at the ISC. This is trying to help those and also pulling additionals from them.

 

[2speedy1]

The university press release said the target for parking lot improvements and infrastructure is August 2025. I thought I heard Pollard suggest the entire first phase (southern portion) could be done by then. Maybe I misheard, but if he said that he probably misspoke.

The way I heard was, he said he was not sure how much of the vertical stuff could be done at the same time. He assumed some could, so some would be at least be started if not nearing completion by then as well, possibly, at least that is how I understood it.

 

[cyclone87]

Wasn't it just earlier this year that JP threatened to close CY Stephens? I don't know why Athletics is tasked with running it but it clearly is not a priority of his (and it makes sense for it not to be). It needs to be preserved but it also needs to be in the control of an entity that wants to preserve it.

Think he was trying to send a messsage that it hasn’t been kept up over the years and losing out on the type of show it once drew. Think he was frustrated with crowd that just wants the status quote of not doing anything to continue. I’ve heard JP say something along the lines of “I guess we will all die together” when talking about the lack of action in Ames in general. Can’t remember the exact quote

 

[BillBrasky4Cy]

It didn't look like a question....

He literally responded to two of my posts... my first post was a question.

I wasn't able to watch the press conference. Is paving the south grass lots part of this plan? I assume that's where to "parking increase" comes from.

 

[stewart092284]

Since the Covid, we have had higher capacity fills of games at JTS. Hilton was fairly full coming off one of the worst MBB seasons ever. Many businesses are pushing to go back to inperson at least some of the time. People are also wanting to get out of their home if they WFH, so it isn't such a crazy idea.

Exactly. And yes, there are certainly risks associated but there's risk rolling out of bed in the morning .

JP has had a clear vision of Iowa State athletics and arguably, one of the better AD's in the country IMO. Not that he hasn't gotten stuff wrong, he has. No doubt. But overall, whenever he does step down or leave Iowa State, I'll be a little nervous because the job he has helped our coaches and over all athletic department do and spearhead I think has been amazing.

Again, not perfect but no one is. I think that this is part of it - but something like this if it hits, could be one of those things that helps change the perception of Iowa State. Again, not that you do anything for that purpose alone but its more development, its more investment into the university and area. That's never a bad thing. I just see this is a big positive overall.

 

[MJ271]

It's more mixed use development, yes. I address both business and sports/event centric consumer spend, the latter has relevant comparables to P&L.

This will either not happen (full buildout shown), or be a failure to recoup investment. I'm frankly shocked it was released with this much infrastructure in video. Given entire pandemic has occurred since the initial idea was shared by JP, this seems to ignore two major trends, interest rates have doubled, and people are working from home. Add in non pandemic related Big12 $ issue, and this type of capex is not wise.

For clarity, I'm pro hotel, some full time infrastructure, and an outdoor scale up scale down. I'm not a naysayer of any investment. Dismissing others points as yes/no is lazy.

Based on what they were talking about during the press conference with using different models of building ownership depending on the business, it seems like this isn't a situation where the athletic department will necessarily be building out all of the infrastructure by themselves then hoping businesses will lease. To me, it sounds like the athletic department will be making the utilities investments, then working business by business to to make further expenditures. I feel like that should alleviate some of your concerns.

Plus, the research park isn't facing the issues you're talking about, and I see this as kind of an extension of the research park, with an additional entertainment component. If the research park is continuing to expand and is successful even after the pandemic, I don't see any reason why that model can't extend to CyTown.

 

[GMackey32]

Wasn't it just earlier this year that JP threatened to close CY Stephens? I don't know why Athletics is tasked with running it but it clearly is not a priority of his (and it makes sense for it not to be). It needs to be preserved but it also needs to be in the control of an entity that wants to preserve it.

Athletics agreed to take it on because the University didn't have the funds to maintain it. He threatened to close it because there were several people in academia that threw a fit that he wanted to have people in the stands during COVID. A certain percentage of revenue is going towards maintaining and upgrading Fisher, Stephens, and Scheman.

 

[2speedy1]

Like your style.

There's also room for a Walden's Burger and Wings too!

**** Walden

 

[Cloneon]

I think the obvious question in response to this is, "How does any business in Ames survive during the summer?" Obviously the businesses there will need to adapt to the variable summer/academic year populations just like any other Ames business, but the only difference from other Ames businesses will be their location. And it's not going to be much more difficult for most residents to get to these locations than it is for any business on Duff.

I'd think the 'suites' concept, as they described it, works year round. Of course the entertainment oriented businesses (ie restaurant, bars, etc) would need to adjust accordingly. Currently, I live near a ski resort with both summer and winter 'open' periods. But, there is a 1.5 month closure in both the late spring and early fall. During that time the area is flooded with 'workers' either upgrading, cleaning, or remodeling all of the facilities, thus allowing the restaurants to remain open. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a shift like this here as well. But, of course, that's only speculation.

 

[ZRF]

Way too much capital investment. P&L is empty 200+ nights a year. And the mega districts like this are actually becoming out of favor nationally.

I like idea of business between stadiums, it's lacking. Cut down bldgs/capital investment 75%, add in scale up/scale down infrastructure (like power for food trucks, string lights, crushed limestone). Beer gardens with shared large wooden tables, plant some trees, could make a cool atmosphere for less cost.

For business office space, is it adding jobs in Ames? If not, it's just competing with downtown Ames and Campustown.

For consumer spend, will it cause more to spend in Ames? I think could get similar spend if all outdoor with a lower cost option (scalable up and down detailed earlier). This plan does not seem to be optimized for ROI. If want year round spend, need climate control for winter. Wild to me to see this much infrastructure, but no 4 seasons atrium for a significant portion of middle area.

This.

Creating a space for temporary infrastructure like beer gardens, food trucks, tailgate zone, etc. requires a lot less investment and carries a lot less risk. As mentioned KCP&L is a ghost town the majority of the year. When it's not its usually because there is an anchor event...Hot Country Nights, Big 12 Tourney, St Paddys day, a big game watch....that's bringing people there. EVERY local abhors most of the establishments that are there. They are either generic bars or terrible fits for the local culture (Leinenkugel's was a terrible move). Most would rather go to Waldo or even Westport where there are more genuine establishments to chose from.

Ultimately I think this idea is a waste of money and risks the cannibalization of the new businesses and established businesses. Some people who used to go elsewhere will go to the new district, hurting old business. There isn't enough localized demand or events for that area to make this one sensible. Too many examples of developers selling a concept that never had the local demand for its existence.

Pollard has been the best AD Iowa State has had by leaps and bounds and is usually on target with most of his ideas. This one completely misses the mark.

 

[theshadow]

Wasn't it just earlier this year that JP threatened to close CY Stephens? I don't know why Athletics is tasked with running it but it clearly is not a priority of his (and it makes sense for it not to be). It needs to be preserved but it also needs to be in the control of an entity that wants to preserve it.

It was in his budget letter/update two years ago, when he thought they were looking at a $35M+ deficit due to COVID.

3. Closing C.Y. Stephens' Auditorium
The revenues generated from community members attending performing arts at C.Y. Stephens' are simply not enough to cover the costs of facility operations. The university has been subsidizing operations at Stephens' Auditorium at nearly $1M annually. In addition, the facility has significant deferred maintenance issues which would require another $25M to $50M to bring the building up to today's standards. As a result of the significant financial challenges facing the university and the athletics department, we are recommending that C.Y. Stephens' Auditorium be closed indefinitely and future shows cancelled.

 

[CascadeClone]

Way too much capital investment. P&L is empty 200+ nights a year. And the mega districts like this are actually becoming out of favor nationally.

I like idea of business between stadiums, it's lacking. Cut down bldgs/capital investment 75%, add in scale up/scale down infrastructure (like power for food trucks, string lights, crushed limestone). Beer gardens with shared large wooden tables, plant some trees, could make a cool atmosphere for less cost.

For business office space, is it adding jobs in Ames? If not, it's just competing with downtown Ames and Campustown.

For consumer spend, will it cause more to spend in Ames? I think could get similar spend if all outdoor with a lower cost option (scalable up and down detailed earlier). This plan does not seem to be optimized for ROI. If want year round spend, need climate control for winter. Wild to me to see this much infrastructure, but no 4 seasons atrium for a significant portion of middle area.

I think that's a very glass half empty view. P&L does fine despite being empty much of the time.

As far as doing it on the cheap, with gravel, beer gardens, and food trucks... it would just look cheap I think. Not much more of a draw than any other bar in Ames except on gameday. It IS a lot of capex, but it sounds like they are getting some of that covered by donors in exchange for the suites - which they would probably be pretty sticky tenants on renewals in 20 years time. I don't think Jamie's green visor would be OK with a project that looked marginal at best; he'd be working to make it make sense.

I think the vision is brilliant. Nothing is guaranteed, but I think it will work and be a real differentiator for ISU. It's more likely to be a dynamic success than a boondoggle.

 

[Bestaluckcy]

All I can say is this looks freaking awesome. The opportunities are many. I wouldn’t bet against it. We have a very capable man heading up the project. Wait until a drone flies over this on game day.

Some times I wonder how some people ever got electricity and running water.