City Council members will discuss the results of a study on Campustown commissioned by the Planning and Housing/Economic Development Department at their meeting on Tuesday night.

The University Impacted Area Study will guide city officials in their policy decisions regarding the future of Campustown, said Matt Flynn, Ames director of planning, housing and economic development.

“The study provides direction so we can form policy,” Flynn said.

“We studied issues such as the redevelopment of old greek houses, how large buildings should be along Beach Avenue and in the core of Campustown, as well as the design of new buildings in the area and if they truly meet the design standards for Ames residents and visitors.”

Several issues are up for discussion.

“Our biggest issue is what kind of businesses we can get to move into Campustown,” City Councilman Russ Cross said.

The seasonal nature of the population in the area impacts the ability of businesses to survive, and the perception of a lack of parking in Campustown also factors into businesses’ decisions to open in the area, Cross said.

He said businesses in Campustown should try to appeal to all Ames residents, not just students.

“There are two or three popular spots in Campustown that attract people from all over the community; we need more places like these to be open in Campustown,” Cross said.

He said zoning rules of first-floor retail and development tax incentives will also be discussed.

Cross said this isn’t the first time the aesthetics of Campustown have been questioned.

About 10 years ago, Cross said, the Campustown area underwent a renovation process that repaved Welch Avenue, put in the clock tower and improved landscaping.

Cross said Campustown is in better condition than it was before the face lift.

“The area still looks better than it did before the initial renovations,” he said. “There have also been some facade improvements since then, as well. Kingland Systems taking over the old theater and Copyworks is redoing their facade, as well.”

Cross did voice concern, however, about the status of the area.

He said Campustown, a district now dominated by entertainment establishments such as bars and restaurants, used to feature more retail businesses, but recent attempts to attract more service establishments have been met with mixed success.

The study was commissioned, he said, to learn what Campustown buildings are historically significant, which would help determine a redevelopment plan.

Susan Gwiasda, City of Ames public relations officer, said city officials are focusing on key areas to revitalize business districts.

“City Council has identified several priorities for Ames in general,” Gwiasda said. “Commercial revitalization is one of those priorities.”

The Ames planning department has set a development plan for the area, regarding how tall the buildings should be, what building materials should be used and the compatibility with existing neighborhoods, she said.

The charrette that recently took place in downtown Ames was suggested by both Cross and Gwiasda as a possible way to start the redevelopment process in Campustown.

“We might have to approach Campustown in the same way we did downtown, where we have a charrette process and get people to provide input,” Cross said.