About the Main Street Cultural District (MSCD)

To download an MSCD brochure with a color map displaying the locations of all downtown businesses and organizations, click here (PDF format).

Overview

The Main Street Cultural District (MSCD) in Ames was established on January 1, 2004. It was the result of a 2-year local initiative to create a unique identity and focus for downtown. The presence of key cultural institutions in the Main Street area – along with unique, locally owned businesses -- made this move a logical development. The concept has been strongly embraced by many key players in the community, as well as individual residents. MSCD is a membership organization, open to anyone in the community that would like to support its development and enjoy its benefits.

In November, 2005, the Main Street Cultural District in Ames became an official, State of Iowa Certified Cultural and Entertainment District. Certification will provide improved highway signage and access to state programs that enhance the growth and development of the District.

Vision

• To provide a unique place for people to linger and experience the best Ames has to offer.

Mission

• To advance and promote downtown as the destination district in the heart of our community.

Goals

• Showcase the vitality of arts and cultural venues, unique businesses, and the heritage of downtown Ames, which will add to the quality of life for residents and visitors.
• Organize event and retail promotions that increase consumer patronage of the district.
• Enhance partnerships among the public and private sectors: retail, culture, service and hospitality.
• Maintain and environment with green spaces, public art, well-designed windows displays, and convenient access for visitors.
• Promote historic preservation and development of buildings and infrastructure through second-use projects, upper story renovation, facade improvement, residential development, and new construction.
• Retain current and recruit new businesses to create a healthy balance and variety of retail, professional and service entities.

Boundaries

The boundaries are defined by major physical attributes: the railroads tracks to the south, major north-south, and east-west streets on the east, north and west. This .13 square mile of our city includes a diversity of activities and uses and is pedestrian-friendly.

• South – railroad tracks
• North – businesses and institutions on the north side of 6th Street
• East – Bandshell Park and Ames electrical & water departments
• West – to Shoppes on Grand, Pyle office park, Wheatsfield Cooperative

Transportation and Accessibility

The Main Street Cultural District is a pedestrian-friendly area, with sidewalks, stoplights and other features that provide ease and safety. Major street and traffic renovations have taken place on Main Street, Fifth and Sixth Streets in recent history. All renovations have included curb cuts and improved pedestrian walkways, as well as new lighting, seating, bicycle hoops and trash containers.

CyRide, the local transit system, uses City Hall as its transfer location, therefore, all routes connect within the District. Regarding ADA · Cultural Office is handicapped accessible with an accessible bathroom. All curbs within the District have curb cuts at crosswalks; crosswalks on Sixth Street also have truncated domes inlaid in to the concrete. Handicapped parking meets/exceeds code requirements. CyRide, the local bus system, has one route that travels down Main Street with accessible buses; passengers from throughout the community may transfer to this route at City Hall

Cultural and Entertainment Enterprises within the District

Cultural anchors:

• Octagon Center for the Arts with resident artists, class programs, gallery shop, exhibitions
• City Auditorium, hosting regular performing arts events; home to Central Iowa Symphony and Co’ Motion Dance professional dance company
• Ames Public Library offering story-times, free concerts & community meeting rooms
• National Historic Register listed Bandshell & city park – weekly summer band concerts, public art, play equipment
• Main Street street-scape with public art by David Dahlquist
• Art Around the Corner rotating exhibit of sculpture sponsored by Ames Public Art Commission
• Permanent public art installations
• Proposed Veterans Memorial Headquarters for the local historical society
• Individual artist studios (some that operate retail stores, some that use space)
  

Secondary anchors:

• Community Center & Gym, wellness programs and recreation activities run by Ames Parks & Recreation Dept.
• City Hall – city service center in a historic former school building exhibits exterior and interior public art collection
  

Other key features:

• Historic architecture & 1900 train depot; 1916 former City Hall is National Register listed
  
• MSCD is immediately adjacent to historic residential district that is National Register listed
  
• Two retail art galleries/frame shops, two musical instrument stores, independent book store with program of author appearances
  
• Two pocket parks with public art, one of which is used for live music concerts
  
• Unique small businesses and weekly farmers’ market
  
• Graphic and interior design studios, architect’s office, individual artist studios
  
• One second floor Main Street resident offers live music on a sporadic basis · Two organic and whole foods groceries – one of which regularly offers live music · Churches in the District offer traditional sacred music experiences plus public concerts
  
• Restaurants: fine dining, cafes, delis, ethnic food, pizza, micro-brewery; Café Diem Coffee House offers regular live music, readings and dance lessons; Olde Main Brewing Co. features extensive exhibit of Ames/ISU historic photos throughout
• Nightlife, including Corner Pocket (pool), bars, Blinks, a teen night spot that offers live music on the weekends
  
• Annual events: Octagon Art Festival, Art Walk, Wild Women’s Weekend, 4th of July Parade, Midnight Madness, FACES (multicultural festival), Holiday Open House & Lights, Festival of Trees, Tune in to Main Street weekly summer music concerts in Tom Evans Park, weekly summer band concerts in Bandshell; walking tours