Jamestown Urban Design Plan 2.0, adopted by Jamestown City Council in May 2019.
The Neighborhood Revitalization Progress Report analyzes Jamestown’s current housing market, and assesses the impact of the Renaissance Block Challenge to this point. The report makes recommendations to further improve the Renaissance Block Challenge by focusing on four key areas.
The Unite North Main Plan was completed in Spring of 2017. The first projects are currently in progress. To view the complete plan follow this link: Unite North Main Plan
In preparation for the opening of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, the Gebbie Foundation engaged AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) to evaluate strategic economic development opportunities downtown that would help maximize the economic impact of the National Comedy Center in downtown. CLICK HERE to read the recent study.
Why is Jamestown a renaissance city? Read JRC’s Report to the Community to see how partnerships and innovative strategies are making Jamestown a laboratory for small city revitalization.
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) will be holding a community input session at Winter Garden Plaza on Thursday, August 22, at 7pm. Winter Garden Plaza is located at 313 N Main Street. This session will focus on the future of Potter’s Terrace/AIDS Memorial Park/Wood Park, and the re-establishment of the AIDS Memorial that was located in the park.
If unable to attend, you may submit feedback to JRC Executive Director Pete Miraglia at 716-489-3494, or pete@jamestownrenaissance.org.
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation’s GROW Jamestown Front Garden Recognition Program, returns this fall as a way to acknowledge city gardeners who contribute to the curb appeal of Jamestown’s neighborhoods. It is a project designed to encourage everyone to take part in making Jamestown a more beautiful place.
The program began in 2011 with the distribution of 250 garden signs given to gardeners who were nominated by the public. In the summer of 2018, 12,000 Jamestown front yards were canvassed by a team of volunteers that recognized over 839 front gardens.
With growth comes change. The program will be run similarly to years past, but this year the yards will now be assessed in two separate seasons. Here’s how the program will work.
The city has been divided into 37 sections, with each section encompasses approximately 325 to 350 front yards each.
Each section is assigned to a volunteer team comprised of a navigator, a photographer, and a data entry person. The navigator is the driver, the photographer takes photos of the selected front yards, and data entry is assigned as the scribe to document the process and list placement locations of the signs. Volunteers DO NOT canvass their own neighborhoods. Volunteers DO NOT canvass the same area they surveyed in the previous years.
This year, the city was divided from north to south using an imaginary line, beginning at the city’s northern boundary. The imaginary line continues down Lakeview Avenue through downtown and continues to South Main Street reaching the city’s southern boundary.
The fall season canvassing begins September 9th and ends September 30th. Of the total 37 sections, 19 sections, those located to the east of the imaginary line, will be surveyed. The volunteers will determine what an “average front yard” looks like for that area. Yard signs are given to acknowledge and to encourage. Each team is provided a limited number of signs to distribute – making decisions difficult.
The spring season canvassing began June 3rd and ended June 24th. Eighteen sections, located west of the imaginary line, were surveyed. Three hundred and thirty six signs were delivered.
In 2020, properties surveyed in the spring of 2019 will be surveyed in the fall and those surveyed in the fall of 2019 will be surveyed in the spring.
At a minimum, volunteers look for front yard gardens with healthy plants that are well maintained and actively managed. Is the lawn healthy lawn, neatly mowed? Are the shrubs and trees pruned and trimmed? Edging is a plus, along with a balanced garden that is appropriate to house and lot size. House numbers need to be clearly displayed.
“As a project of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation’s Neighborhood Revitalization efforts, the goal is to encourage everyone to contribute to a more beautiful Jamestown. The increase in yearly front yard garden acknowledgements demonstrates how well the program is working.” says Mary Maxwell, the JRC’s Neighborhood Project Manager.
Would you like to volunteer for this project? It is an excellent way to see the city as you have never seen it before, meet some old friends and make some new ones, and have a chance to make some front yard gardeners very happy. Volunteer workshops will be held the last week of August. For more information, contact Mary Maxwell at mary@jamestownrenaissance.org or (716) 489-3493.
The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is a public-private partnership supporting downtown and neighborhood revitalization through inspiration, action, and celebration in the greater Jamestown, New York, area.
Potter’s Terrace on East 3rd Street is being closed for safety concerns. The site was recently evaluated and found to have structural issues. The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) owns the property and will evaluate future options for the site.
Potter’s Terrace, also known as AIDS Memorial Park or Wood Park, had been dedicated as a memorial for AIDS victims. The JRC will be reaching out to the community for input on re-establishing the memorial.
Questions regarding the closure of Potter’s Terrace should be directed to Pete Miraglia, JRC Executive Director at 716-489-3494.
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) and Fancher Chair Co. Inc. are proud to honor Jamestown’s furniture history with the installation of an oversized chair at the corner of Third and Lafayette in Jamestown.
In an effort to expand public art in downtown Jamestown, a focal point of the new Jamestown Urban Design Plan 2.0, JRC approached Fancher Chair Co. with the idea of commissioning a large, historically accurate chair for downtown. Fancher Chair Co. was excited by the project, and took the lead in designing and then constructing a great new piece for downtown.
Kristy Kathman, JRC Deputy Director said, “I couldn’t be happier with the way this has turned out. Pete Scheira (President) and Gary Henry (CEO) at Fancher Chair Co. took a vague idea we had and turned it into a true work of art. They have been wonderful to work with, and created a beautiful piece of furniture sure to be enjoyed by everyone who sees it.”
Brian Millspaw, Master Sample Maker at Fancher Chair Co., created the chair based on a design from Jamestown Lounge Company known as the “club” chair. The chair is made of oak, and special glue for outdoor use was used. The chair will be permanently installed by Davis Concrete & Excavating.
Fancher Chair Co. Inc. has generously donated the chair to the community as a memorial to the history of the furniture industry of Jamestown and surrounding areas.
For a more in-depth look into the furniture industry of the Jamestown area, and the people who were behind it, check out the furniture exhibit at the Fenton History Center.
At Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, we make Jamestown better through inspiration, action, and celebration. For more information about upcoming projects, or to check out the Jamestown Urban Design Plan 2.0, please visit jamestownrenaissance.org/, or call 716-489-3496.
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is pleased to announce that construction at Winter Garden Plaza is nearing completion. The second phase of construction at the site included the addition of a permanent tensile structure at the west end, extended pavers, additional lighting, landscaping, benches, and bike racks.
Phase 2 of the project was made possible with funding from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, as well as local support from the Gebbie Foundation. Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2011 to replace the former Winter Garden Theater with programmable public space.
Winter Garden Plaza features the Active Artists Alliance’s Third Thursday Concert Series, held on the third Thursday of each month from May-September. In addition, the Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival will make use of the space from July 18-20, and Friday night shows will be put on by the Wine Cellar throughout the summer.
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation’s GROW Jamestown Front Garden Recognition Program, returns in 2019 as a way to acknowledge city gardeners who contribute to the curb appeal of Jamestown’s neighborhoods. It is a project designed to encourage everyone to take part in making Jamestown a more beautiful place.
The program began in 2011 with the distribution of 250 garden signs given to gardeners who were nominated by the public. In the summer of 2018, 12,000 Jamestown front yards were canvassed by a team of volunteers that recognized over 839 front gardens by providing owners with signs.
With growth comes change. While the program will be run similarly to years past, yards will now be assessed in two separate seasons and groups as follows:
1. The city is divided into 37 sections, with each section encompasses approximately 325 front yards each.
2. Each section is assigned to a volunteer team comprised of a navigator, a photographer, and a data entry person. The navigator is the driver, the photographer takes photos of the selected front yards, and data entry is assigned as the scribe to document the process and list placement locations of the signs. Volunteers DO NOT canvass their own neighborhoods. Volunteers DO NOT canvass the same area they surveyed in the previous years.
3. This year, the city will be divided from north to south using an imaginary line, beginning at the city’s northern boundary. The imaginary line continues down Lakeview Avenue through downtown and continues to South Main Street reaching the city’s southern boundary.
4. The spring season canvassing begins June 3rd and ends June 24th. Of the total 37 sections, 18 sections located west of the imaginary line, will be surveyed. The volunteers will determine what an “average front yard” looks like for that area. Front gardens excelling in their efforts to improve curb appeal, will receive a GROW Jamestown sign. Each team is provided a limited number of signs to distribute – making decisions difficult.
5. The fall season canvassing begins September 9th and ends September 30th. The remaining 19 sections, those located to the east of the imaginary line, will be surveyed. The volunteers will again determine what an “average front yard” looks like for that area. Front gardens showing exceptional efforts to improve curb appeal, will receive a GROW Jamestown sign.
6. In 2020, properties surveyed in the spring of 2019 will be surveyed in the fall and those surveyed in the fall of 2019 will be surveyed in the spring.
At a minimum, volunteers look for front yard gardens with healthy plants that are well maintained and actively managed. Is the lawn healthy lawn, neatly mowed? Are the shrubs and trees pruned and trimmed? Edging is a plus, along with a balanced garden that is appropriate to house and lot size. House numbers need to be clearly displayed.
As a project of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation’s Neighborhood Revitalization efforts, the goal is to encourage everyone to contribute to a more beautiful Jamestown. The increase in yearly front yard garden acknowledgements demonstrates how well the program is working.
Would you like to volunteer for this project? It is an excellent way to see the city as you have never seen it before, meet some old friends and make some new ones, and have a chance to make some front yard gardeners very happy. Volunteer workshops will be held the 4th and 5th week of May. For more information, contact Mary Maxwell at mary@jamestownrenaissance.org or (716) 489-3493.
The Jamestown Public Market will be using a new online management tool to provide a more organized 2019 season
.
In 2018 Farmspread partnered with the Farmers’ Market Coalition (FMC) to help farmers’ markets celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week, annually the second week of August. FMC’s campaign provided more than 8,600 farmers’ markets nationwide with tools, guides and materials used to promote events at their markets during the weeklong celebration. As part of this campaign, Farmspread and FMC created a NFMW directory to highlight farmers’ markets around the country.
During this celebration event, the Jamestown Public Market was selected as the winner of the Farmers’ Market Coalition’s National Farmers Market Week Contest.
The Farmers’ Market Coalition, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is “dedicated to strengthening farmers’ markets across the United States so that they can serve as community assets while providing
real income opportunities for farmers”. A member of the coalition, the Jamestown Public Market has access to resources that help improve market programs, including curriculum ideas that provide the basis for the market’s SPROUTs Club.
To win, the Jamestown Public Market had to claim a profile on Farmspread by registering on the National Farmers Market Week directory; over 205 markets were represented on the directory, with representation from over 39 states. As a winner, the market has received free access to FarmSpread, a newly established marketplace platform supporting a community of farmers, local food vendors, market managers and consumers by providing a wide range of tools to help cultivate and scale alternative food distribution and consumer access.
Features the Jamestown Public Market will have access to include a fully configurable online vendor application, auto invoicing to vendors for market fees, publicly searchable profile, and the ability to invite vendors to sell at the market, accept credit/check payments, and view a market map online.
“This is exciting for the market for two reasons”, explains Public Market Manager Linnea Carlson. “First, the Jamestown Public Market has received national attention due to this contest. We are thankful to the Farmers Market Coalition for their ongoing support of farmers markets, and the advocacy they provide on issues that affect agricultural communities in our country. Second, we get to be a part of this innovative platform that is helping bring farmers’ markets into the 21st century. We are thrilled to partner with Farmspread for the 2019 season so our vendors have an easier communication process and consumers can find more information on what is available.”
Farmspread provides tools to help manage, promote and sell farm fresh food and artisan products while connecting consumers with farm direct food outlets. Whether you manage a farmers’ market, are a direct food vendor, or operate a CSA, they can help you manage your business and connect you to customers. Farmspread also directly connect farmers and local food vendors to communities of buyers, using technology to scale the age old relationship between local producers and consumers and to reinvest in the power of local communities.
Farmers and local vendors interested in participating in the 2019 Jamestown Public Market season can visit www.farmspread.org to apply (creating a vendor profile is free of cost) or www.jamestownrenaissance.org. For more information on National Farmers Market Week and issues affecting the agricultural community visit www.farmersmarketcoalition.org.
UPMC Chautauqua, part of a world-class healthcare delivery system, will be lending a paint brush to improvements in the Jamestown neighborhoods. Managed by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC), and with support from Sherwin Williams and the Jamestown Department of Development, a new program called Paint Jamestown will provide Jamestown residents with a booklet containing 50 historic color schemes to select from for painting the exteriors of their homes.
In addition, UPMC has provided a $10,000 grant for up to 10 home owners with property located within the Allen Park/UPMC Chautauqua Jamestown Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC) target area. They will have the opportunity to apply for funding to assist them in their home exterior painting projects. Property owners in the target area must first pick from the Paint Jamestown color booklet containing a selection of 50 historic color schemes and then fill out an application with the JRC. If their project is approved and the work completed by October 30th, 2019, they have the opportunity to receive up to a $1,000 reimbursement in matching funds . Awardees will have a photo of their home featured on JRC’s website and Facebook page.
(From Left) Randy Sweeney, Chair of JRC’s Neighborhood Committee, Cecil Miller, UPMC Chautauqua VP of Operations, Mary Maxwell, JRC Neighborhood Project Manager, Brian Durniok, UPMC Chautauqua Interim Executive Director
“UPMC Chautauqua is proud to partner with JRC in the Paint Jamestown program. We are excited that our neighborhood was selected. This southside neighborhood is rich in history and means so much to the city of Jamestown. UPMC Chautauqua is committed to continuing to make a positive impact on our community,” says Cecil Miller, VP of Operations at UPMC Chautauqua.
Sherwin Williams graciously agreed to assemble the historic color booklets to insure the true to life colors where shown.
“We are excited to be part of Paint Jamestown and appreciate the working with UPMC Chautauqua and the JRC. We are looking forward to seeing the initial projects completed. Sherwin-Williams is ready to be part of this project for many years to come”, says Rod Jones, Second Street Sherwin Williams Store Manager.
2019 Target Area
Any property owner living anywhere within the Jamestown city limits may use the historic color schemes booklet as a reference to paint their homes. Property owners within the Allen Park/UPMC Chautauqua Jamestown Renaissance Block Challenge target area may apply for the funding grant.
The application can be found online at http://jamestownrenaissance.org/neighborhoods/. Maps of the target area can be found in the booklet.
“The entire house must be painted using the selected scheme and multiple colors. Only the colors within a single scheme can be used. Property owners are free to rearrange the recommended placements (body, trim, accent) in any manner they choose”, says Neighborhood Project Manager, Mary Maxwell. “We’ll need a before and after-the-project-is-finished digital photograph of the property and copies of all receipts for paint, supplies or contracted labor. Work done by the owners (sweat equity) is not reimbursable. “
After processing incoming materials, a reimbursement check for up to $1,000 in matching funds will be issued. If $1,000 in reimbursement funds is sought, the documented cost (labor and or materials) must meet or exceed $2,000. If the entire project cost less than $2,000, the lower amount will be matched. A $1,600 project would receive $800 in matching funds.
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation makes Jamestown better through inspiration, action and celebration. They are a community that values integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, visionary thinking informed, stakeholders. The JRC has a six-person staff who report to a 17-member board of directors. The board of directors is comprised of city leaders and representatives from local businesses and not-for-profit organizations.
For more information on Paint Jamestown, an application, and/or to view the Historic Color Booklet, contact: Mary Maxwell 301 East 2nd Street, Suite 301, Jamestown, NY 14701 (716) 489-3493 E mail: Mary@jamestownrenaissance.org.
Jamestown Up Close and Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) are excited to announce the winners and results of this year’s Shop Small, Win Big contest. In an effort to boost local commerce during the 2018 holiday season, Jamestown Up Close encouraged shoppers to shop downtown from Small Business Saturday through December 17th.
This year, 67 downtown Jamestown businesses participated. In an effort to award more prizes and keep the money local, 13 winners received gift cards to a Jamestown restaurant or retailer of their choice, with the Grand Prize being $250 in gift cards. The Grand Prize purchase was made by Michelle Maher at the Jamestown Emporium.
(From Left) Rita Sullivan, Abbie Merchant, Michelle Maher, Barbara Briggs-Webb, Zach Agett, Amber Hurd, Arthur Dahlgren, and Skylar Carlson
Other award winners included Barbara Briggs-Webb, Elizabeth Brown, Skylar Carlson, Arthur Dahlgren, Amber Hurd, Abbie Merchant, Lynnsey Olson, Marlene Piatz, Phyllis Robertson, Rita Sullivan, Martha Wirsen, and Karen Yeversky, who made purchases at Alexis Rae Fashions, Allen Street Diner, El Jarocho, Farm Fresh Foods, Gypsy Moon Cake Co., Jamestown Emporium, Jamestown Nutrition Shake IT Daily, Labyrinth Press Company, Liquid Monkey, Nouveau Boutique, Oriental Star, and Video Games Plus. Winners chose to receive their gift cards from Alexis Rae Fashions, Allen Street Diner, Chautauqua Brick, Cherry Lounge, Farm Fresh Foods, Forte, Jamestown Emporium, Jamestown Nutrition Shake IT Daily, Labyrinth Press Company, Landmark Restaurant, Lena’s Pizza, Liquid Monkey, and Shawbucks.
Based on ticket entries, over $78,000 was spent at local retail shops and restaurants that participated in Shop Small, Win Big, an increase of $13,000 from last year’s results.
“It’s awesome to see how many people got out and supported our local businesses this holiday season! Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone that made a commitment to shop local this year,” said Zach Agett, Marketing and Events Manager at JRC.
The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation makes Jamestown better through inspiration, action, and celebration. For more information about Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, please visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org or call 716-489-3491. You can also learn more about the organization by visiting their Facebook page.
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) has announced the winners of the annual Downtown Jamestown Storefront Holiday Decorating Contest. The contest began in 2015 as a way to encourage business owners in downtown Jamestown to dress up their businesses for the holidays and to increase the curb appeal for visitors shopping and eating downtown during the holiday season. 25 businesses participated in 2018 and were judged by members of the Jamestown area community.
“Congratulations to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, our first place winner! There were many beautiful windows this year. Thank you to all of the businesses who decorated, and thank you to all of the judges for volunteering their time to carefully check out each window,” said Kristy Kathman, Deputy Director for JRC. “Between the window decorations, the tree in Tracy Plaza, and the decorations on the streets, downtown Jamestown looks very festive!”
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, 1st Place Winner
The second place winner was Crown Street Roasting Company, and third place went to The Jamestown Gazette. Each business that participated in the holiday decorating contest had a chance to win an advertising grant from the JRC and Jamestown Up Close to use in the coming year ranging from $1,000 to $250.
“Our staff is very excited to have won this year’s Storefront Holiday Decorating Contest! We would like to thank all who voted for our window this year and to all the other businesses who participated with their beautifully decorated windows. So many businesses came out and decorated our town so beautifully for the season to come! Our staff looks forward to this event every year as it really gets the town into the holiday spirit,” said Sarah Snavley, Retail Coordinator for the Museum. “This contest is a huge team effort and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to help me decorate it. Thank you again, Jamestown and Happy Holidays from the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center!”
The storefront decorating contest ran from November 30 to December 9. The People’s Choice award was determined via Facebook vote which ran from December 3 to December 9. Patient’s Pharmacy won the People’s Choice award, and chose The Cherry Lounge as the place they would like to receive a $100 lunch voucher to for their staff.
The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation makes Jamestown better through inspiration, action, and celebration. For more information on Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, please visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org or call 716-489-3491. You can also learn more about the organization by joining their Facebook page.