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 Opens Its 2024 Call for Artists and Sponsors
The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is again partnering with Chautauqua Art Gallery and the City of Jamestown Parks Department to create an outdoor public art gallery in downtown Jamestown, N.Y. Artists of all ages who live in Chautauqua County or within 35 miles of Jamestown are invited to participate in this juried art competition.
Now Taking 2024 Reservations for Winter Garden Plaza
In 2023, we hosted some fantastic events at Winter Garden Plaza. For music, we hosted Third Thursday concert series and the Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival. We were also able to partner with Jamestown Pride, Jamestown Juneteenth, and the YWCA for programming in...
Hey lover of Jamestown! We need your input!
The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is excited to be partnering with Main Street America to do some research, planning, and implementation to improve downtown Jamestown. Part of this work involves getting community input through a survey. Survey Link What is Main...
Frank Besse appointed Executive Director of Jamestown Renaissance Corporation
The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Frank Besse to Executive Director. In his new role, Besse will lead the organization in its ongoing efforts to revitalize and enhance Jamestown's economic, residential, and cultural...
Host your event in Winter Garden Plaza
Vibrant downtowns have a range of events, big and small, that draw visitors and local residents to enjoy community assets, patronize local businesses, and add vitality to public spaces. To stimulate new and better events in downtown Jamestown, the Jamestown...
ArtScape Jamestown Opens Its Call for Artists
ArtScape Jamestown is inviting local artists to submit their work for a new public art program between now and April 7, 2023. The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is partnering with Chautauqua Art Gallery and the City of Jamestown Park's Department to create an...