One more Hy-Vee Food Store on Lincoln Way results in the elimination of the only Save U More food store in Ames.

Save U More, 538 S. Duff Ave., is relocating its store as a Hy-Vee near Target in Lincoln Center.

“We are upgrading to meet the needs of today’s consumer,” said Larry Stevensen, store manager of Save U More.

The main reason for the new Hy-Vee is Save U More wanted to relocate their store above the flood plain. The plan to rebuild as a Hy-Vee has been in the works for years under the Corporate Budget Plan, Stevensen said.

Save U More did not want to move far from the south end of Ames, where it has been serving customers for 15 years, Stevensen said. He added the new location, in the center of Ames and near Target, is one of the best locations in Story County.

Ruth Mitchell, director of communications for Hy-Vee, said the new Hy-Vee will help the city of Ames by providing more products and services. The larger store will also create more property and sale tax revenue and will spur further development in the area.

The new Hy-Vee will carry all of Save U More’s departments. In addition, Stevensen said the new store will carry more fresh foods and more prepared foods, a food court and a pharmacy.

“So far the construction process hasn’t run into any problems,” Mitchell said.

Stevensen said customers are excited about the new store and are happy they do not have to worry about the weather causing structural problems.

Jen Smith, a sophomore in agricultural business, lives in Tall Timber apartments, 664 Squaw Creek Drive, behind the site for the new Hy-Vee.

“I am happy that both Target and Hy-Vee will be so close,” Smith said. “Hopefully the prices will be comparative.”

The road that runs in front of the Tall Timber apartments, South 4th Street, was closed for five days while a storm drain was being installed, Smith said. She said she was surprised at how quickly the road was put back together.

The new Hy-Vee is expected to be completed this summer and will cost almost $8 million. The store will also employ about 400 people, Mitchell said.