Lincoln Way Champlin Block

Pictured in 1928, 1941 and 2017. The face of the Champlin block on Lincoln Way has changed dramatically over time.

Various shops, restaurants and theaters are seen in the 1928 photo. There are also period automobiles lining the street.

In the 1941 photo the shopfronts have evolved. There are two theaters, a drug store, a cafe, a barber and even a shoe repair shop among other stores. There are period automobiles parked along the street in this photo as well.

The Champlin block started in 1904 with the opening of the first general store in near campus by A.L. Champlin, located on the corner of Ash and Boone Street (now known as Lincoln Way.)

Boone Street was changed to Lincoln Way after the dedication of the Lincoln Highway in 1913. Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway for automobiles. It has been altered over time, and in some cities the street still bears the name “Lincoln Way.”

Champlin was also a horse breeder, and owned a livery barn. According to the Ames Historical Society, Champlin owned the area between Stanton and Welch. In 1908 Champlin began building his drug/grocery store on the corner of Lincoln Way/Welch Avenue. It the first brick building in Campustown.

As his horse livery business began to decline, Champlin decided to build two theatres and an auto garage.

Today the only building that survives is to the far left, with the two peaked rooftops. It currently houses Jeff’s Pizza, a fan favorite pizza place for students, as well as High Class Glass, a local head shop. Traffic lights have been installed, and the roads painted.

The Kingland Systems building, constructed in 2014,  has since replaced many of the other buildings on the block as well. There is still a drug/grocery store on the corner.

The Kingland building is also home to the Iowa State Daily.

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