Slater issues RFP for Main Street building project

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The city of Slater has issued a request for proposals to redevelop a building on the town’s Main Street to create a new food and dining experience in the community of about 1,600 people.

According to the RFP, the city purchased the building at 321 Main St. and invested more than $140,000 in structural repairs to preserve it and create an opportunity for a mixed-used development with an emphasis on bringing new food options to the city, about a half hour north of Des Moines.

“321 Main St. is a cornerstone of our historic Main Street. We’re seeking someone who recognizes the unique charm of Slater and is passionate about preserving our history while fostering an exciting future,” Slater Mayor Taylor Christensen said in a news release. “We are confident that 321 Main St. can attract this traffic and contribute to the growth of our business district.”

According to Story County property records, the building is about 3,000 square feet and has an assessed value of $35,400.

The city is working with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance on the project, and Dan Culhane, president and CEO of the Alliance, said redevelopment of the property will not only be good for Slater but the entire Story County trail corridor.

“Such development doesn’t happen overnight, but partnerships between the city of Slater, Story County Supervisors and Story County Conservation to name just a few keep creating great positive attention and interest in our region, and this project couldn’t be in a better location … right in the middle of it all,” he said in a release.

The building, constructed in 1920, is in Slater’s urban renewal area, and tax increment financing (TIF) and other community development tools will be available for an acceptable project.

According to the RFP, the city is also willing to offer a long-term, low-cost lease or full purchase agreement for the property.

Slater’s urban renewal area and TIF is an available option in addition to the potential of using other local community development tools.

According to a news release, the benefits of the site include its access to both the Heart of Iowa and High Trestle trails, the city’s proximity to Ames and Ankeny, two new housing projects that are being developed, a new outdoor sports field project that will begin construction this year, and a light industrial park being developed on the city’s south side.

The deadline for submitting a proposal is Feb. 14.

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Michael Crumb

Michael Crumb is a senior staff writer at Business Record. He covers real estate and development and transportation.

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