Council approves first reading to rezone 1323 Northwestern Ave. for Ames Community School District master plan

The Ames City Council approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone 1323 Northwestern Avenue — known as the Ames Center and owned by the Ames Community School District — from Residential Low Density to SGA, a government/airport zone that accommodates a broader range of school‑related and administrative uses.

City planning staff told the council the proposed rezoning comes with a master plan showing phased improvements: a drop‑off loop, through circulation on the north side of the site, upgraded parking and potential new buildings. “The proposal tonight is to rezone SGA. It includes a master plan that shows improvements to the site for parking and circulation and some additional buildings on the site,” staff said during the report.

Architect Melissa Goodwin, who identified herself as the project manager on the master‑planning effort, said the district envisions multipurpose spaces to support student services, administration and community partnerships. “The school district really was inspired to create a centerpiece for the Ames community that will create multipurpose spaces that support student services, administrative needs, as well as community partnerships,” she said. She added that the plan accounts for site grading and stormwater measures required by code and that phased construction will depend on available funding.

Superintendent Scott Grimes described preserving and repurposing some existing buildings on the site, adding walking paths, an outdoor classroom and a “traffic garden” for students to learn bike and pedestrian safety. He said the master plan aims to reduce congestion on Northwestern Avenue through reconfigured access points.

Council members asked about drainage and proximity to the railroad. Planning staff said public works had not identified a current condition linking existing off‑site drainage issues to the school’s proposed redevelopment and that stormwater standards (Chapter 5B) and detention requirements would apply as the site is redeveloped. Staff also said they were not aware of specific railroad right‑of‑way concerns with the proposed trail alignment.

After the public hearing, Councilmember (mover) moved alternative 1 to approve on first reading; a second followed and the ordinance carried on a roll call vote.

What happens next: the rezoning ordinance proceeds through additional readings before it becomes final; the master plan remains conceptual and the district will bring administrative site plans for individual improvements as funding and phasing are determined.