Inside Iowa State

June 7, 2007

University Boulevard: Plan ahead for Sept. 17 name change

by Erin Rosacker

If you're updating brochures, maps and other printed materials, don't forget that Elwood Drive will be changed to University Boulevard as of Sept. 17. Then put a reminder on your calendar to update your Web pages and other electronic communications - and remember to make the change in the directions to your location.

The university's request for the name change was approved by the Ames city council in April, replacing Elwood Drive and part of Pammel Road -- extending University Boulevard from the intersection at Stange Road to the city limits south of Highway 30.

The Sept. 17 effective date, which is a Monday, was set in order to avoid confusion for new students arriving on campus. The date also falls after ISU's first three home football games, including two against in-state opponents that will bring thousands of fans to Ames.

"We would like to remind the campus community of the change," said Cathy Brown, campus planner for facilities planning and management. "Units should plan ahead to revise materials that will be available after Sept. 17."

Guidelines

For the first year, campus maps and official communications should list references to the road as University Boulevard (formerly Elwood Drive). After a year, the road will be referred to solely as University Boulevard.

When using the name within text documents, university marketing director Carole Custer recommends writing out University Boulevard on the first reference, and University Blvd. on the second reference.

Sign switching

Three different groups will change road signage. The Iowa Department of Transportation will change exit signs on Highway 30, the city of Ames will change road signs from Lincoln Way south until the pavement ends at the intersection of Oakwood and Airport roads, and Iowa State will change road signs north of Lincoln Way to the Stange Road intersection. Crews are scheduled to begin changing signs Sept. 17. Some changes could be done in just a day, some may take place during the week.

Elwood Drive and a portion of Pammel Drive will change to University Boulevard on Sept. 17.

Click here to see an illustrated map.