North Grand Mall has released plans for expansion, but a larger mall remains in the preliminary stages while managers finalize plans.

Kurt Carlson, general manager of North Grand Mall, said the City of Ames has not been contacted in regard to the expansion.

“We have not received an official proposal at this point,” said Joe Pietruszynski, Ames city planner.

After the company has submitted its plans, the city will take into consideration the scale and size of the structure to see how it will blend with the adjacent neighborhoods, Pietruszynski said. The city will need to examine the impact the addition will have on traffic and added commercial competition.

Before the addition can be considered, North Grand Mall’s parent company, L&H Real Estate Group, will need to submit several studies including a market study and a transportation study. Carlson said the studies are near completion and they will be available soon.

The idea for the expansion began when L&H purchased the mall in 1998.

In the past, L&H has looked into purchasing the land south of the mall for the addition, but needed more time to resolve environmental concerns. “At this point the soonest the addition would be completed would be late 2004,” Carlson said.

The proposal would increase the mall’s area by 2,500 feet, bringing the area up from 3,500 square feet to 6,000 square feet. L&H could not be reached for comment.

“[The addition] depends on if we can resolve environmental issues that will determine what type of parking structure is needed,” Carlson said.

He said he believes the addition will not pose a problem in terms of added traffic on main roads and said Grand Avenue already has four lanes.

With a new mall being proposed for east Ames, the issue of demand arises.

“All we can do is plan areas and let the free market decide,” Pietruszynski said. “There needs to be a strategic plan. Ames won’t be able to support two malls.”

With the revitalization of South Duff Avenue and the Main Street district, people tend to cross-shop, he said.

“Ames currently has a fairly strong retail area,” Carlson said. “People have the option to shop downtown and then to shop other areas. If another shopping district is established, shoppers will avoid downtown.”

Carlson said he feels with the expansion, North Grand Mall will be able to provide the shopping experience people are asking for.

Plans for the new mall include expanding into the area directly south of the mall. A parking garage would be added as well as larger and possibly more department stores and the addition of better fashion stores featuring women’s clothing. Other proposals include expanded offerings, new mall furniture and the addition of a children’s play area.