Strengthen Downtown Core

Downtown’s core has many strengths: generally attractive, it houses a large workforce in services and government, strong arts and recreational uses, and a modest but varied mix of entertainment and dining venues. Retail activity is limited, reflecting a customer base too small to support a more substantial retail and entertainment presence. Despite this relatively weak business climate, strong community commitment has supported a wide and varied range of programmed activities downtown. Jamestown’s success in that area was recognized by the National Main Street Center at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which made the community a semifinalist in the center’s national awards program, a significant achievement.

For downtown to thrive and grow will require coordinated efforts to broaden a customer base by promoting downtown living and attracting regional tourists to supplement the business generated by residents and workers. Several interrelated initiatives can contribute to achieving this goal: