Tennessee developer James “Bucky” Wolford hopes a new mall will bring in businesses not yet in the market to Ames, but it is still uncertain to what extent North Grand Mall will be affected by the competition.

A third and final reading and the consequential vote on the rezoning of the proposed mall property will proceed at the next City Council election Tuesday.

The previous two council votes were in favor for the rezoning by a 4-to-2 vote.

Based on the votes, a third reading seems likely to pass.

“I am cautiously optimistic the vote will pass,” Wolford said.

The fate of North Grand Mall is still unknown.

“I am not sure what will happen with North Grand, but the numbers I have viewed don’t support it,” said 1st Ward Councilman-elect Dan Rice.

Rice, who is against a new mall, said the old mall’s location is “10 times better” than the proposed location for Wolford’s mall and it would have been more viable to improve North Grand rather than construct a new mall.

“I think North Grand is making great strides to actively seek land for expansion and doing research for consumer wants and needs,” Rice said.

Wolford would not say what specific stores he is in contact with to possibly be included in his proposed 498,000 square foot mall, but said there are several interested retailers.

The mall is scheduled to open by fall 2008 at I-35 and north of E. 13th Street.

“I am really excited about offering more opportunities to the general public,” Wolford said.

The recent announcement by Dillard’s to become the first major anchor store has led to more stores expressing interest in opening outlets at the future mall, Wolford said.

“It is unusual Dillard’s announced during the holiday season when businesses are really focused on sales,” he said.

In a press release, William Dillard II, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Dillard’s said the company is excited to be entering the Ames market.

“Ames gives us an excellent opportunity to expand our presence in the state of Iowa and offer area residents more choices in upscale and contemporary fashions,” he said.

Dillard’s has 329 stores in 29 states.

Presently, the closest Dillard’s store to Ames is located at the Jordan Creek Towncenter in West Des Moines.

Matt Flynn, Ames planning, housing and economic development director, said the Dillard’s announcement is a major commitment to the future success of the new mall.

Flynn also expressed he was also unsure of what would happen with North Grand, but said its chances of survival were probably slim if a new mall is built.

Amanda Brady, junior in marketing, said Ames needs more retail opportunities.

“I would like to see a bigger Younkers, Dillard’s, Banana Republic and gift shop like Calypso,” she said.

Brady, however, expressed concern about the feasibility of students’ access to a mall on Interstate 35.

“I don’t know if the location is the best. It would be better to remodel the current location,” she said.

Representatives from North Grand Mall were unable to be reached for comment.