Iowa State University breaks ground on CyTown development

Iowa State University and Goldenrod Companies have held a groundbreaking ceremony for CyTown, a multi-use entertainment and economic development district in Ames, Iowa. The project, estimated to cost between $175 million and $225 million, aims to revitalize the area surrounding the Iowa State Center.

The development is designed to serve as a catalyst for arts, culture, and economic growth, providing amenities for students, staff, and visitors. Key features of the district include a seven-story, 200-room Marriott hotel named The Cardinal, alongside various restaurants, retail spaces, and gathering areas. While the project supports athletics, university officials emphasized that it is a broader university initiative intended to attract conventions and conferences by providing necessary lodging and dining options.

Construction on the McFarland Clinic portion is already underway. The entire CyTown project is scheduled for completion by August 2028.