Municipal Building

Known today as the Richard O. Jackson Youth Family Center, the historic Municipal Building was built in 1916 and for several decades housed the mayor's office, municipal offices, the city council, the police and fire departments, and the jail and police court. Before the building was constructed all of these were located in separate buildings. Consolidating them under one roof reflects the progressive reform movement of the time which, among other things, emphasized increased government efficiency to better serve the community. The Municipal Building embodies this idea. Today it appears the building is used as office space.

The construction of the Municipal Building capped a progressive period in Ames that began in 1891. During that time, the city expanded, professionalized its operations, and made improvements to the city's infrastructure. The city's streets, sidewalks, and public utilities (including water and electricity) were improved. New construction regulations were implemented, and the western side of the city was annexed in 1893. Overseeing much of this development was Mayor Parley Sheldon, who served three terms during this period (1890-1894; 1902-1908, and 1910-1916). The Municipal Building symbolizes the city's progressive goals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

It is also a good example of Classical Revival architecture. Designed by Des Moines architecture firm Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmusen, the two-story building features a red-brick exterior, a limestone frame around the main entrance, pilasters with a cast stone decorative plaque, a limestone cornice, and a large plaque with the words "MVNICIPAL BVILDING." It was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture and association with the city's effort to implement progressive reforms.

Page, William C. "Municipal Building." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. May 2, 1997. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/97000391_text.