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
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...
Historic Tax Credit Workshop: February 15th via Zoom
Do you have a property in one of Jamestown's Historic Districts or looking to purchase property in one of them? This tax credit zoom workshop is for you. Earn tax credits for property improvements. Feb. 15th 6:00 p.m. Join Preservation Buffalo Niagara, the...
2023 Grants for Building and Business Owners Now Open!
Are you looking to adapt or improve your business?Is the downtown building you own not living up to all of its potential?The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation’s Building and Business Improvement Program(BBIP) may have the necessary resources. The program is a 50/50...
What kind of “winter place” should Jamestown be?
We recently hosted "Jaime the Storefront Guy" for a workshop for downtown business owners and community stakeholders. Jaime shared some wonderful insights, and the attendees had great takeaways. There was a dynamic conversation around several subjects, but one was...