Ames' Super Park

Earlier this month, Ames received a $1.5M grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to construct critical water and sanitary sewer infrastructure for the Prairie View Industrial Center in east Ames. This is a huge win for our community and the site and will be to our advantage as we attract new business to our area.

This isn’t the first time Prairie View has made headlines. In 2019, the site was designated a Certified Site through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s certification program. Of the 27 certified sites in the state, Prairie View is one of two to be designated as a Super Park. Super Parks must have at least 500 acres of land—Prairie View is over 1,300 acres with 730 under purchase option.

As we work to bring economic development projects to the community, it’s not uncommon for projects to need 50, 100, 300 acres or more. We now have the capacity to meet and exceed expectations for large-scale projects. Combine this asset with the other business parks in the Ames and Story County marketplace and unique partnership opportunities with Iowa State University and we are in an enviable position for businesses looking to relocate or expand.
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What does this mean for Ames? In a word, growth. When a new company move to town, it triggers a chain reaction. The construction industry picks up as facilities must be built. Job growth skyrockets as there are new opportunities for positions at all levels. People move to town to take new jobs and start spending their money here. Our Super Park is positioned to spark tremendous growth in our community in way we’ve not experienced yet.