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Ames: Glimpse Inside (PDF) ( MAP)
Ames: A Glimpse Inside, is a free open house event at 10 historic buildings. The event is located in the Main Street and Old Town National Register historic districts. Ames Main Street Historic District was established in 2018. The district reflects the 1920-1960s trend in updating facades to reflect thencontemporary commercial designs. Such a comprehensive transformation is seldom seen elsewhere in Iowa. Ames is one of a few cities in the state where such a decisive commercial style emerged. The Old Town Historic District was established in 2004 as a National Register District and as a local historic district in 1989. Within its boundaries are found nearly all the remaining residential structures from the first two plats of Ames with construction dates ranging from the 1880s to the 1920s. Architectural styles include Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Prairie School/Craftsman Bungalow, and Gabled and Hipped Cottages.
For more information click: Ames History Museum or KHOI Community Radio
- Ames History Museum 416 Douglas Avenue
- Avec Design + Build 131 Main Street
- KHOI Community Radio 622 Douglas Avenue
- Ames Post Office 525 Kellogg Avenue
- Ames United Church of Christ 217 6th Street
- 803 Kellogg Avenue
- 918 Burnett Avenue
- Ames Tribune Building 317 5th Street
- Potter’s Shoppe and Eatery 330 5th Street
- The Recipe 412 Burnett Avenue
Start at any building to join the free self-guided tour and pick up your brochure with map. Volunteers will be stationed at each location to answer questions. Today’s open locations are functioning businesses and homes. All properties feature various adaptations for today’s living. These adaptations allow current and future generations to learn from and enjoy these historic resources.
Behind the counter tours of the Post Office are at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
Enjoy some tasty snacks at The Recipe prepared by Chef Andy at 11 am and 1 pm (while supplies last).
Everyone who completes a survey will be entered in a prize drawing. Prizes include gift certificates for The Recipe, Potter’s Shoppe and Eatery, and memberships at the Ames History Museum. Only one prize per person.
Join us as a volunteer while participants look behind the scenes into Ames’ historic past. Volunteers are needed for the ten locations above. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Shellie Orngard at shellie_orngard@msn.com