The Ames city council unanimously passed two resolutions at Tuesday’s meeting that will begin the restructuring of North Grand Mall and surrounding areas.

The resolutions approved preliminary plans for the streets of the North Grand subdivision and approved the major site development plan, which is subject to approval by the city council of the final landscape plan.

Many Ames residents attended the meeting to speak in support of the plans to revamp North Grand Mall, which they say has helped Ames grow and flourish over the last 40 years.

Lynn Franco, secretary for industrial and manufacturing systems engineering who lives three blocks from North Grand Mall, was enthusiastic about the renovation plans that would take place in her neighborhood.

“I’m really excited for this,” Franco said. “I ride my bike up there a lot. I just think it would be so pretty to drive past and see. I’m glad that this seems to be going a little bit forward.”

Dale Brentnall lives with his wife on 25th Street in North Ames cq. He said he has seen the positive changes North Grand Mall has brought to Ames during the time he has lived there.

“Over the past 35 to 40 years, North Grand Mall has served as a catalyst for developers and investors in development of residential homes, schools, retail businesses and outdoor recreation,” Brentnall said. “During this period of time, North Grand Mall has fulfilled its aspirations for growth.”

Stressing the importance of continuing this growth, Burnole said adapting the mall for a new stage of growth was necessary.

“Your consideration is directed this evening to a renewed effort and a fine opportunity to update and revitalize the entire North Grand Mall area,” Brentnall said.

Dan Culhane, president and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce spoke to the council on behalf of his organization in favor of the resolutions.

“We strongly encourage you to support this proposed redevelopment,” Culhane said. “We certainly appreciate the amount of taxes that it would bring to our community, and further we also appreciate the continued reinvestment and the major capital investment that are projected in this project.”

The resolutions are approval of plans to make North Grand Mall more easily accessible by pedestrians and vehicles. Included in the approved resolution were plans to add adequate lighting for pedestrians and vehicles, and providing convenient pedestrian routes to, from and around the North Grand Mall area. Further details of plans to revitalize the area are still subject to approval by the Ames city council, and will be voted upon at a future meeting.

The council also approved preliminary plans for CyRide Building expansion and a plan to construct a rain garden near the Ames library.