STUDENT HOUSING IN AMES
Rising student population in Ames constantly influences and inspires developers to build student affordable rented housing. This study analyzes the priorities of students while making residential choices. Accessibility of student residential locations with respect to transit and facilities is also analyzed. New potential lots are proposed.
Location
Key Points
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High change in density of student residences in West of Ames.
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City bus (CyRide) is extensively used to cater to the growing population, especially in West Ames.
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High frequency of CyRide’s service in the West attracts more students, thus adding to the housing demand.
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The commercial core is distant from the densely student populated areas.
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Interviews with property managers suggest a lack of interest among the students to reside in the northern Ames, that earlier had a theatre and a supermarket.
Methodology
Density Change from 2011 - 2014
Unequal density changes in the city, with overall population growth of 5%
Geo Coded data used to map the student residences. High density mostly observed surrounding the campus. Most of them are campus housings provided by Iowa State University. Small clusters of high density areas found near north and central Ames. Density seem to continue towards the west of Ames. While observing the change in student density from 2011, a significant rise in density of students observed in West Ames.
CYRIDE RIDERSHIP
The highest ridership data is for Red and Blue Routes. However no significant change in ridership has taken place in 2012 – 2013. A very high increase of ridership data for the Brown route was noticed (16%) The average riders in Grey Route is double than any other route. Yet, it has a very low frequency. The Red 1A route is the most frequently served route. (65 buses running in one direction from am to 11 am in the morning)
COMMUTER MINUTES MAP
VACANT PARCELS AND FLOODWAYS
HOTSPOT IMAGE SHOWING STUDENT HOUSING PREFERENCE
PROPOSALS
SITE 1
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Site Located near west of the Central Campus Current Land Use Assigned – Residential
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Within 1 mile walking distance of campus
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Half mile walking distance from CyRide stop and Commercial Hub in West
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CyRide route 1A can be split into two routes. Total number of buses to remain same. New route saves 1 mile distance for each trip and serves this newly developed site
SITE 2
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Site Located in the northern part of Ames
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Existing Cyride Route 3 serves the site.
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Close proximity to Northern Commercial hub, thus will help its economic revival.
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Also it is served by facilities like restaurants within 1 mile of the site.
SITE 3
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A cluster of sites located near S16th, where the population density has increased in last few years.
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The main DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL of the city is at close proximity.
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Bus frequency is evidently going to increase at this corner of the city in near future. So these clusters might serve well as student residences.
