The Ames City Council heard from three different groups who are vying for the rights to the old city hall building Tuesday.

Although no decision will be made until the July 25 meeting, bidders were anxious to share their plans for this Ames landmark.

Youth and Shelter Services submitted a proposal to the council which calls for the building to be purchased for $500. The group plans to consolidate several offices spread throughout Ames to make this their new home.

YSS Chief Executive Officer George Belitsos said the group plans to do $1.5 million in remodeling, but keep the hall historically true.

Funding for YSS would come from government grants, a low-interest loan and fund raising. Belitsos said a donation of $500,000 has been made, but withheld the name until the future of the hall is known.

If some Ames residents have their way, the building would be home to a community hall that draws people downtown. Representing the group was Ames resident Dave Carter, who told the council they would like to see services similar to those offered in the Iowa State Memorial Union take place in the building, too.

Carter added that the facility would be managed by a citizens’ board and ownership would still be under the retention of the city.

The cost of the remodeling is set at $1.5 million, and historic preservation would be a major factor in remodeling. Funding could be provided by grants, fund raising drives and local bonds.

The third idea was submitted by Harold Ault, who would like to see the building turned into a museum including horse drawn carriages and railroad artifacts. Specialty shops comparing to those in Valley Junction in Des Moines would draw visitors from surrounding areas to Ames for a different shopping experience, Ault said.

He would like to purchase the building for $10,700 and will have “minimal remodeling costs” for the building. His funding would be self-supported through his income of horse-drawn carriage rides, a museum store and parking space rental.

Ault added he would not ask for any city money in the remodeling and preservation of the building.

The council also heard a report on the downtown district development plan. The advisory committee, made up of several groups in the community, recommended that BRW, Inc. and Urbanics Consultants, Ltd. be hired to help prepare plans for an improved downtown.

City Manager Steve Schainker said the group had strong support from a majority of people, because they have worked with cities the size of Ames and had realistic goals. After hearing the committee’s report, the council agreed they need to stay more in touch with the consultants throughout the process.