Where is Prairie Trail located in Ankeny?
Prairie Trail is located west of Ankeny Boulevard, east of Irvinedale Avenue, south of the John Deere plant and north of the Des Moines Area Community College. This site was formerly the Iowa State University Dairy Research Farm in Ankeny.
What is going to be in Prairie Trail?
The concept of Prairie Trail includes a plaza district as the focal point of the development and the greater community. The development will be walkable with single-family and multifamily residential developments from low density to high density. Other commercial and mixed-use areas are also in the concept. There are approximately 100 acres allocated for the construction of civic and educational facilities. The areas that are adjacent to existing industrial uses are planned as business parks, especially designed for small businesses. The concept also has space for parks and greenways and an arts overlay district.
Who is the master developer of Prairie Trail?
The City Council selected Ankeny-based DRA Properties, owned by Dennis Albaugh, as the master developer for Prairie Trail in July of 2005.
What are the roles of DRA Properties and the City of Ankeny in the development of Prairie Trail?
DRA Properties and the City have partnered in the master planning and development of Prairie Trail. The two entities will jointly conduct the master planning process. The City will oversee the construction on the arterial streets, primary lines of the water, sewer and storm sewer systems. DRA Properties will market the parcels in Prairie Trail and oversee their development according to the design standards in the master plan.
What are the next steps in the development process for Prairie Trail?
For the remainder of 2006, the City of Ankeny and DRA Properties will be focused on the following projects:
- Create the pattern books for the residential and commercial areas
- Develop design standards for the project
- Institute and complete the zoning and development review process
- Finalize plans for the projects in the connection between the town center and DMACC
- Design the business park south of John Deere
- Design of infrastructure improvements, including water mains, sewer extensions, street construction and storm water improvements.
When will construction activity begin in Prairie Trail?
From now until late 2007, the following construction projects will be underway:
- Conduct drainage study on the entire parcel
- Design and construct the improvements to the Saylor Creek Watershed Improvement Project
- Design and construct the State Street Water Main Project
- Design and construct the Southwest Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project
- Design and construct street improvements
- Design and construct utility improvements for the town center
Who is going to pay for the construction of the improvements in Prairie Trail?
Under the development agreement between the City of Ankeny and DRA Properties, the City will pay for the first $20 million of the cost of constructing the backbone of the street, water, sewer and storm sewer systems. In response to the City expenditures, DRA Properties will contribute $25 million to a Civic Trust Fund to be used to help pay for the cost of constructing new civic facilities.
Will the development of Prairie Trail raise my property taxes?
The goal is for the revenue sources generated by Prairie Trail to pay for the cost of the public infrastructure within the development.
When will the development of Prairie Trail be completed?
It is anticipated that the build-out of Prairie Trail may take from seven to 10 years, depending on the local economy.
What kinds of housing will be in Prairie Trail?
It is envisioned that Prairie Trail will have single-family homes, multifamily units including townhouses and brownstones, second-floor units above retail or office spaces, and possibly senior housing. The concept calls for the neighborhoods to be connected to the rest of the development and the community through a system of trails and sidewalks.
What kind of buildings and amenities will be in the Plaza District?
The Plaza District may have multistory buildings with retail and office space on the first floor and housing on the second floor. The area will have public spaces that will serve as gathering places for neighborhood and community events. The street and public-space layout will focus on pedestrian uses. The area adjacent to the center of the Plaza District may have multistory housing units.
Will local businesses and builders have the opportunity to be located in the development of Prairie Trail?
DRA Properties encourages participation in the development of Prairie Trail by local businesses and builders. For further information, contact Ted Rapp with DRA Properties at prairietrail@albaughinc.com.
How will Prairie Trail impact the Uptown area?
It is a goal of the City of Ankeny and DRA Properties to have Prairie Trail complement the Uptown area.
What kinds of activities may happen in Prairie Trail?
Some of the activities may include dining at restaurants, walking throughout the development, entertainment, business meetings, conventions, attending outdoor festivals and concerts, shopping, attending shows, arts and movies, relaxing in public spaces, enjoying nature, picnicking, water recreation (paddle boats/ice skating), playing outdoor sports, watching a parade, eating at sidewalk cafes, and other possibilities.
Will there be schools in Prairie Trail?
The land use plan for Prairie Trail includes areas for the location of future school facilities.
Will there be parks in Prairie Trail?
There will be parks in Prairie Trail. The number and location of the parks will be determined through the master planning process.
What will happen to the areas around Prairie Trail?
The development at Prairie Trail may generate new dynamics for the adjacent areas and be a catalyst in new development or redevelopment. Connectivity and flow from Prairie Trail to adjacent areas is a primary goal of DRA Properties and the City of Ankeny.
How will Prairie Trail be connected to the rest of the community?
The design of Prairie Trail will include walking and biking paths that connect to the existing trail and sidewalk system in the rest of the community. The street system will provide street access to neighborhoods on each side of Prairie Trail.
How can I keep up with what is happening as Prairie Trail is being developed?
The City and DRA Properties are providing information on the development of Prairie Trail on this website. Information on Prairie Trail will also be distributed through the City of Ankeny and local media channels.
