Jamestown Renaissance Corporation Enters Revitalization Phase:
Established in 2006 as a public-private partnership to implement the Jamestown Urban Design Plan, the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) became a catalyst for downtown revitalization. In 2010, the organization expanded its mission to include neighborhood revitalization through the commissioning of City of Jamestown: A Livable Community, a study that laid the groundwork for several key initiatives—including the widely regarded Renaissance Block Challenge.
In 2025, the JRC Board made the strategic decision to evaluate the organization as a proactive response to evolving economic conditions, demographic shifts, and changing community priorities. This forward-looking transition is intended to position Jamestown’s revitalization efforts for long-term sustainability and continued impact.
During this transitional phase, essential programs will continue under the leadership of trusted local partners, ensuring continuity as the Board explores future pathways for community development. The City of Jamestown will oversee neighborhood-based initiatives—most notably the Renaissance Block Challenge—while the Gebbie Foundation will guide economic development efforts within the Urban Core. These interim arrangements are designed to maintain momentum while long-term strategies are evaluated.
Recent News & Updates
ArtScape Jamestown Original Art Show opens with 60 regional artists
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY— The original artwork for the 2025 ArtScape Jamestown will be on display and for sale in a joint art show held at Chautauqua Art Gallery, and the Pearl City Clay House, from May 9 - June 28 with an opening reception on May 15 from 5 - 7:30 p.m....
2025 Third Thursday Line Up Announced
Entering its 14th year, Third Thursday Jamestown announces 2025 series schedule A new pre-concert event “Jumpstart to Third Thursday” added to highlight downtown businesses Live music and entertainment will fill downtown Jamestown with the return of “Third Thursdays...
ArtScape Jamestown Opens Its 2025 Call for Artists and Sponsors
ArtScape Jamestown invites local artists to submit their work for the 2025 ArtScape public art program through February 24, 2025.
2025 Downtown Improvement Grants Now Open
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE10/11/2024 Contact:Frank Besse, Executive DirectorJamestown Renaissance Corporation716-708-6761Frank@jamestownrenaissance.orgwww.jamestownrenaissance.org Jamestown Renaissance Corporation Launches Downtown Improvement Grants to Support Downtown...
JRC Announces $20,000 Grant for Historical Resource Survey Update
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is one of this year’s Preserve New York (PNY) grantees. Their grant of $20,000 will fund a Cultural Resources Survey for the City of Jamestown. The Preservation League of NYS and their program partners at the New York State Council on...
Third Thursday expanding with Drawn Together Events
The Third Thursday concert series at Winter Garden Plaza has been a staple of downtown summers for over a decade. Last August, we experimented with added complementary arts programming at several downtown businesses. As this year began, we talked with those businesses...