Editor's note: This story was updated on March 6.
Sketch of CYTown lots and building corridor when 2024 work is completed. Graphic by Deb Berger.
Infrastructure and pavement work will resume during spring break on the future CYTown parking lots and development corridor at the Iowa State Center. With the ground warming early this spring, on Monday, March 11, crews from Des Moines-based Elder Corp. will begin demolishing the last three north lots (A3, B3, C3) and continue work begun last summer and fall in the southwest quadrant (lots A4, A5, B4 and B5 and the south section of Alumni Lane).
To maintain parking for employees and visitors at the Alumni Center, the south half of A3 won't be demolished until lot A4 is complete, weather-dependent and estimated for early August. Employees and visitors to the Alumni Center will access lot A3 from the north via Center Drive. When lot A4 is ready, they'll park there, accessing the lot via Alumni Lane from the south.
The southwest portion of phase 1 will be completed by mid-August. With favorable weather, a majority of the Phase 2 lot work also could be completed prior to the fall semester.
Development corridor, CyRide stop
The $37.7 million project, the first of a multi-phased plan to develop a multi-use entertainment district, CYTown, provides underground utility infrastructure (stormwater and sanitary sewers, water, electrical and telecommunication lines), new parking surfaces and, with fill dirt, raises areas of the site so buildings and other facilities will be five feet above Ioway Creek's 100-year flood plain. The work this year puts in place a central north-south, building-ready corridor for future development. Last fall, the athletics department announced McFarland Clinic will be CYTown's first tenant.
Plans also add a CyRide hub in lot D3 in the northeast corner of the lots to replace the former hub on the west side of the lots. Design is nearly complete on that facility, which will include two single-user restrooms, vending and indoor seating. Construction is expected to begin this summer and continue into early winter, with an opening targeted for early in 2025.
