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Planning commission recommends rezoning at 204 Southeast 2nd Street for 3‑story mixed‑use building
Summary
The Ames Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve a rezoning and accompanying master plan to allow a three‑story, mixed‑use building at 204 Southeast 2nd Street, changing the property from Highway‑Oriented Commercial to Neighborhood Commercial.
The Ames Planning and Zoning Commission on the evening recommended that the City Council approve a master plan and rezoning for 204 Southeast 2nd Street, changing the parcel from Highway‑Oriented Commercial (HOC) to Neighborhood Commercial (NC) to allow a three‑story, mixed‑use building.
City staff told the commission the 1.29‑acre site, owned by Overflow Thrift Store Inc., is currently undeveloped and is located near existing retail corridors on East Lincoln Way and Duff Avenue. The master plan presented with the application shows roughly 31,000 square feet of building area, with about 6,000 square feet of ground‑floor commercial space and two upper levels of residential units. Staff framed the request as consistent with the East Lincoln Way subarea and the city’s Plan 2040 redirection area, which supports moderate intensification and mixed‑use development.
Kevin Heiss, the applicant, said his company has completed similar mixed‑use projects in other communities and intends to build a high‑quality structure that would attract small businesses and provide residential units above storefronts. He also said his firm operates an IT company with about 350 employees and is exploring locating a presence in Ames.
No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for this item. Commissioners asked about floodplain status and site topography; staff said the lot sits west and north of the floodplain and has an elevation change. Commissioners also discussed parking and ensuring adequate ground‑floor commercial space as shown in the master plan.
A commissioner moved to recommend approval of the master plan and rezoning with the condition that an updated master plan be provided prior to Council consideration; a second followed and the motion passed by voice vote. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the City Council will consider the rezoning at a future meeting.
The commission recorded the motion and voice vote; a roll‑call tally was not recorded in the transcript. The next procedural step is City Council review of the rezoning and the applicant’s future submission of a site plan and applicable subdivision plat for public review.
