Coffee Shop, Book Stores Most Requested in Ankeny

When Ankeny Patch readers were asked what kind of businesses they would like in the newly renovated bowling alley, home to the Wheel House Pizzeria & Pub and in the Uptown answers ranged from locally owned restaurants to coffee houses and book stores.

Readers said they would like a game room at the site of the former bowling alley at First and State streets or a Bath and Bodyworks. And a handful said they would like to see a coffee/snack shop or book store open up in the Uptown's vacant storefronts.

Other answers included a a children's clothing/toy store, a brand name used clothing store like Plato's Closet, a Latino Store, a Learning Post Outlet, or a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch would be nice as well.

A handful of properties are vacant or for sale in Ankeny's uptown district including two slots in the building along the 300 block of SW Maple Street.

The sign says that a business owner could find anywhere from 1,125 to 4,500 square feet of retail office or flex space at 315 SW Maple Street, just across the street from the Yankee Clipper.

The area hopes to receive a boost when the Ankeny Market and Pavilion is constructed. About $500,000 for the $1.5 million needed for the project has been dedicated to date.

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