Renaissance Block Challenge

The Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC) is a neighborhood revitalization program that encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior curb appeal beautification improvements to their properties in order to build confidence in Jamestown’s neighborhoods and inspire others to reinvest.

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 – 2025

Starting in 2022, the JRC will be concentrating on the second target area.

Download the Northside Info & Application

Allen Park/UPMC 2019 – 2023

,Starting in 2019, the JRC began its first RBC concentrated target area. A 5 year plan was developed, with three consecutive sign up years – 2019, 2020, 2021. Each participating property owner is given 3 years to complete their approved projects.

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 July, 2022, over $430,902 had been invested in the target area, with property owners contributing $249,749 (68.5%) and JRC contributing $135,591 (31.5%)

total properties

%

of all properties sign up for RBC program

invested into exterior projects

reimbursed to property owners through small matching grants

Foote Ave. 2020 – 2023

Foote Ave. funding was made available to a limited number of property owners on the east side of Foote Ave. from Prather to Camp Street in an initiative similar to the RBC program but without a cluster requirement. Working with other city partners, the JRC will assist with exterior neighborhood improvements as funding becomes available.

Starting in 2020, the JRC began a 5 year plan was developed, with three consecutive sign up years – 2020, 2021, 2022. Each participating property owner is given 3 years to complete their approved projects.

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