AMES, Iowa — A major transformation is underway in Ames as Iowa State University officially launched construction on its highly anticipated CyTown development, a new multi-use district located between Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum.

The groundbreaking event marked the start of work on the McFarland Clinic, the first facility to rise in what university leaders envision as a vibrant hub of activity that will energize the campus and surrounding community. The full CyTown project is scheduled to be completed by 2027.

The ambitious plan includes a mix of event spaces, restaurants, retail, and even a hotel—all designed to bring more energy, economic activity, and people to the area. The development is part of a broader strategy to create a dynamic space that serves both university and community needs year-round.

“We’re trying to find a way to revitalize that area and be able to create something that would help not only financially help us vitalize it, but also repopulate the area,” said Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard. “McFarland is a great piece of that, because in order to attract restaurants and retail and other amenities, you need to have activity, and McFarland will bring 800 patients a day to this site.”

The presence of the McFarland Clinic is expected to act as an anchor tenant for the district, drawing daily foot traffic and helping establish a consistent level of activity that will make the area attractive for additional businesses and events.

Although the full build-out of CyTown will take a couple of years, momentum is already building. In a promising sign of things to come, the Iowa boys state basketball tournament is scheduled to be held at Hilton Coliseum in 2027, aligning with the project's projected completion and reinforcing the area’s emerging role as a regional destination for sports and entertainment.

As construction begins, university officials, local leaders, and business stakeholders alike are optimistic that CyTown will redefine how the Ames community interacts with Iowa State's campus—combining health care, hospitality, sports, and commerce in one cohesive district.

For more information and updates on CyTown, visit the official Iowa State development page.

Originally reported by KCCI in KCRG.