Each Home is a billboard for the image of the Neighborhood.
The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) created the Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC) to encourage property owners to invest in their properties and in so doing, build stronger neighborhoods.
Starting in 2011 and continuing until 2018, the RBC was offered city wide. In 2017, target areas, along with an extended timeframe focus was introduced. This update reinforced the principles of success of a focused approach, being patient in the results, visible improvements, being assertive in making things happen and lastly, coordinating multiple partners. These principles have been and will be our guide to success.
Northside 2022 – 2032
In 2022, the JRC moved into our second target area.
Download the Northside Info & Application
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Allen Park/UPMC 2019 – 2023
Located on Jamestown’s Southside, The Allen Park/UPMC Target Area was a logical place to start our targeted area approach. It’s predominately owner-occupied (79%), home prices are within a median wage earner’s capacity, has recent signs of investment, but also some areas of deferred maintenance.
A three year timetable was planned, but the COVID pandemic lengthened this project to five years (2019-2023). While some social capital was gained, social interaction became limited due to the pandemic.
Figures & Data
Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC) 2.0 is focused on improving the UPMC/Allen Park neighborhood of 259 properties. Of the 132 properties in the RBC, 67% of the approved projects have begun or are complete. Over 50% of all properties in this neighborhood have signed up for the RBC program.
As of December 2023, $499,935 has been invested in the target area, with JRC contributing $163,420 (32.68%).
total properties
%
of all properties sign up for RBC program
invested into exterior projects
reimbursed to property owners through small matching grants
Past Projects
JRC’s neighborhood work emphasizes the importance of reinvesting together and connecting neighbors. Starting in 2011 and continuing until 2018, the RBC was offered city wide.
Over the past eight years (2011 through 2018), 45 clusters of property owners received ‘Renaissance Block’ status, with participating property owners investing more than $1.3 Million into exterior curb appeal beautification improvements and repairs.
neighborhood clusters
participant homeowners and landlords
invested by property owners into exterior projects
reimbursed to property owners through small matching grants
Sponsors
The Renaissance Block Challenge is made possible by:
John A. and Oscar Johnson Memorial Trust
The Lenna Foundation
with support from:
Chautauqua Region Community Foundation
The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation
with assistance from these local businesses:
B & L Wholesale Supply
Brigiotta’s Greenhouse & Garden Center
Chautauqua Brick
Craig’s Landscaping
Everydays True Value
Jamestown Awning
KenDel Landscaping Services
Kingsview Paving
LaBella Associates
Maple Springs Tree Service
Mike’s Nursery
Overhead Door Company of Jamestown
R-Patti Paving
Stone & Outdoor Living Center
Tactical Tree Service