McFarland Clinic becomes CYTown development’s first anchor

McFarland Clinic will anchor Iowa State University’s CYTown development, the Athletics office announced Thursday.

ISU's $200 million multi-use entertainment district is being built on 40 acres of land between the Iowa State Center and Jack Trice Stadium.

“McFarland made history as one of Iowa’s first multi-specialty clinics when it first opened its doors some 80 years ago, and we believe its support of CYTown will be equally impactful for the campus community, Ames and Central Iowa for future generations,” Jamie Pollard, Iowa State’s athletic director, said in a news release.

McFarland is Iowa’s largest physician-owned, multi-specialty clinic. The first tenant to sign onto the development, the clinic plans to break ground next summer on a 60,000-square-foot multi-level medical facility adjacent to the football stadium.

“The new medical facility will be a shining example of the innovative approach Iowa State University is taking to enhance our athletics, arts and conference complex,” ISU President Wendy Wintersteen said in the news release.

More: How Iowa State became an entrepreneurial powerhouse under Wendy Wintersteen's leadership

McFarland's CYTown involvement is a 'win-win-win'

The partnership is a win-win-win for Iowa State, McFarland and the communities they serve, Andrew Perry, the clinic’s CEO, said in the release.

“This is a convenient location within the city of Ames and helps us fulfill several strategic priorities by improving access to care and opening up additional space for recruitment of new Story County physicians,” he said. “We are proud to support CYTown, the university and the economic impact it will have with retail and entertainment offerings.”

Part of that economic impact will be felt by the venues in the Iowa State Center — Stephens Auditorium, Hilton Coliseum, Fisher Theater and the Scheman Building. The university plans to use CYTown revenues to fund building renovations and work on the surrounding parking lots.

Pollard said the inspiration for CYTown is similar to the vision Dr. James H. Hilton — the force behind the creation of Hilton Coliseum — had for the university and community more than 50 years ago.

“We believe CYTown will have a similar impact for future generations,” Pollard said, calling it a “transformative project for Central Iowa.”

CYTown construction began in March

Iowa State announced plans for CYTown in September 2022, and construction began in March.

Initial plans included a medical clinic, a position which McFarland Clinic will now fill. The university also plans to include retail and office space; 20 luxury apartments with retail space on the first floor; and a restaurant/brew pub.

A few CYTown developments are expected to open as early as fall of 2025.

Iowa State also envisions adding a convention center and hotel accessible for use by Discover Ames, the community’s convention and visitors bureau, to attract conventions and trade shows. That economic impact is expected to benefit the city of Ames and local businesses, such as hotels and restaurants.

McFarland Clinic’s CYTown facility will offer primary, specialty and urgent care. Its proximity to campus will make it convenient for Iowa State students and faculty, the news release said, and its location near major streets and highways will benefit Ames residents and out-of-town patients.

The clinic will also provide Iowa State’s student-athletes with “convenient access to orthopedic services, including imaging equipment not currently available on campus,” Pollard said. “It will also complement our health center by providing after hours and weekend services.”

McFarlanc Clinic has a history of supporting local development

McFarland Clinic is familiar with supporting major local development. The institution was also instrumental in the creation of the ISU Research Park.

“McFarland has a great history of leadership and selecting locations that play a pivotal role in our community,” Rick Sanders, president of the research park, said in the news release. “Their physician owners invested in our research park at a crucial time in our development and likewise are taking a leadership position in CYTown.”

Officials expect McFarland Clinic's buy-in to attract other businesses to CYTown.

Businesses hoping to join CYTown's development can contact Christopher Stafford, of Cushman & Wakefield, by phone at (515) 309-4002 or by e-mail at cstafford@iowaca.com.

Formal agreements between McFarland Clinic and the university are subject to approval from the State of Iowa’s Board of Regents.

Ronna Faaborg is a reporter for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Iowa State University, McFarland Clinic partner on CYTown development