Iowa State planning a $200M development called ‘CYTown’

(ABC 6 News) – Iowa State University announced plans on Monday for a $200 million retail, office and entertainment development called “CYTown” between Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum.

The development will sit on a three-acre site north of the stadium and occupy a pregame party area now known as “Tent Row.”

The initial phase of the project includes a public plaza and amphitheater that can be used on game days or for concerts and other events.

The athletic department said 75% of the funds needed for the $200 million will come from ‘land monetization opportunities.’ The rest would come from the leasing of CYTown suites and fundraising.

CYTown will be part of the Iowa State Center, the complex of cultural and athletic venues originally envisioned by former school president James H. Hilton in the 1950s.

Later this fall, the university plans to seek final approval from the Board of Regents to begin work on the project in January 2023.

Target completion of the parking lot improvements and infrastructure is August 2025.

The development is the next phase in a project that began with athletic facility upgrades such as;

  • Pedestrian Bridge ($10 million)
  • RV Village and parking upgrades for the Iowa State Center ($14 million)
  • Stark Performance Center ($60 million)
  • Albaugh Family Plaza and Concourse ($30 million)
  • Sukup Endzone Club ($50 million)
  • Reiman Gardens Plaza ($10 million)

CYTown is envisioned to be similar to Titletown near Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, and the Power & Light District near the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

“Since we started this process, our goal has been to develop something unique to Ames while helping our community support, attract, and retain students, businesses, visitors and new residents, and we believe CYTown will accomplish all of that and more,” athletic director Jamie Pollard said.

To learn more about the CYTown project, CLICK HERE.