A 10-year project to bring nearly 40 low-income housing units near the Iowa State University campus is finally complete.
The Townhomes at Creekside were built at 3216 Tripp Street in the Baker subdivision, the former site of Ames Middle School. The development features six apartment buildings with 38 units available for rent to low-income families, each at less than $1,000 per month.
A city-backed partnership
The City of Ames partnered with Hatch Kiernan Galloway (HKG) Development to develop the roughly $13.6 million project. The city and HKG held a grand opening ceremony on June 25, which featured tours of some of the available units.
Ames Mayor John Haila said it’s “an absolute joy” to see the Creekside units completed.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Haila said. “It fits in well, and I think the neighbors will be thrilled with how it fits into the neighborhood also.”
Michael Kierkan, president and partner at HKG Development, gave credit to Ames’ resiliency throughout the 10-year project as well as their teamwork.
“We have never worked with a city more committed than the city of Ames,” Kiernan said. “For more than a year we met with top leaders and city staff to develop this project to get it off the ground.”
Touring the Townhomes at Creekside
Each group of units is two stories tall, with options of two, three, and four bedrooms.
Rent for two-bedroom units will be $675 per month, while rent for three-bedroom units will be $815. The larger four-bedroom units will cost $895 per month.
The various amenities include ensuite washers and dryers, geothermal heat pumps, and open floor plans. Creekside’s location also puts tenants within walking distance of CyRide, grocery stores, schools and shopping.
Ryan Galloway with HKG Development said he hopes the 38 units will help address some of the affordable housing needs in Ames.
“Some of our tenants will likely move on to ownership in the neighborhood,” Galloway said. “We hope we’re an important part of this neighborhood and Ames’ ability to address the importance of having safe, stable and quality affordable housing.”
A culmination of 10 years of peseverance
The city acquired the more than 10-acre Baker subdivision parcel in 2015. Ames then committed to serving as the developer for a new mixed-income subdivision.
The first street installation took place in 2017, marking the subdivision’s official start. The land was platted into a 27-lot subdivision in 2019.
The Ames City Council began applying for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in 2020, recognizing the city’s need for affordable multi-family housing. After two unsuccessful attempts, Ames partnered with HKG Development in 2023 and was awarded $11.5 million in funding.
The city contributed $2.1 million in HOME Funds to complete the project.
Longtime city staff member recognized for 42-year tenure
Vanessa Baker-Latimer was the project lead for the Townhomes at Creekside. She was recognized during the open house on June 25 for her role in bringing the townhomes to fruition.
Baker-Latimer has been Ames’ housing coordinator since 1983. She’s consistently passionate in her advocacy for housing equity, Haila said.
“Under her guidance, countless initiatives and programs have flourished, significantly enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering stronger, more vibrant communities,” Haila said. “(Vanessa’s) extensive knowledge, strategic vision and tireless efforts have greatly shaped the landscape of housing and development within the city.”
Families interested in the new townhomes can make requests online ( or by calling 515-416-4563
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at [email protected].