With a harmonious shout of “CyTown!” a line-up of key figures dug their gold-clad shovels into the ground, ceremoniously breaking ground for McFarland Clinic’s new 78,000-square-foot facility on Tuesday.
The clinic is the first structure to begin construction on the CyTown site and is expected to be completed in December 2026. According to the Daily’s previous reporting, the clinic will house family medicine, pediatrics, sports medicine, occupational medicine, pain management, urgent care and physical therapy.
“This is a really exciting day for Iowa State University,” Wendy Wintersteen, university president, said. “CyTown is an extraordinary project … so this is the beginning.”
Wintersteen noted the multitude of partnerships needed to make this vision a reality and expressed her gratitude for all involved.
“This location is perfect … for all of the students at Iowa State University,” Wintersteen said. “CyTown really represents the bold, innovative spirit of Iowa State University, and it also represents the strength of the town and gown relationship Iowa State has.”
Jamie Weydert, physician as well as president and chair of McFarland’s board of directors, described the groundbreaking as a “momentous occasion.” Weydert said that the lead up to this day took several years of work, and extended his gratitude.
“I want to give my gratitude to the team at McFarland who did the heavy lifting to get this project to fruition and all the folks who supported us on the other side at Iowa State University,” Weydert said. “Dr. Wintersteen, Jamie Pollard–they’ve been good champions for us and for this project.”
According to Jenni Talbott, chief operating officer at McFarland, the CyTown clinic constitutes the largest building project undertaken by McFarland Clinic.
Talbott said that the new clinic will aid the growth of the McFarland network, with an anticipated addition of 30 full-time providers
“We’re really excited that this will help provide the space for the growth that we need to help continue to provide excellent care in the community,” Talbott said.
The building will be three stories tall, which Talbott said will “quickly rise off the ground.”
Over 100 geothermal wells will also provide an environmentally friendly and efficient energy solution to the building, according to Talbott.
McFarland Clinic anticipates approximately 800 patient visits daily when the clinic opens.
“We’ll be bringing a lot of individuals and a lot of foot traffic here to what’s going to be a marvelous space in CyTown,” Talbott said.
Andrew Perry, chief executive officer of McFarland Clinic, highlighted the company’s record of working with ISU.
“We have a long history of working with Iowa State and ISU Athletics,” Perry said. “Working with trainers trying to optimize athletes’ performance, help prevent injuries and when necessary, expedite their return to the playing courts.”
According to Perry, the goal to build a facility at the Iowa State Center Complex has long been part of a long-term strategic plan to continue the clinic’s growth and “meet the needs of Ames and surrounding communities.”
“When the CyTown project came up, I’m thankful that McFarland Clinic was one of [Pollard’s] first calls,” Perry said. “I’m appreciative of the fact that this is going to be a centerpiece of the Ames community.”
