Renaissance Block Challenge

The Renaissance Block Challenge encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties, with the goal of building confidence in Jamestown’s neighborhoods and spurring others to reinvest.

Participating property owners in a Renaissance Block are eligible for the following assistance, regardless of income:

• Matching funds (a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $1,000, for exterior work)
• Access to discounts from sponsoring hardware
  stores and garden centers
• Discounts from coordinated purchasing of materials
  or services
• Design assistance

2012 Renaissance Blocks

To participate in the 2012 Renaissance Block Challenge, form a cluster of at least FIVE neighboring property owners who intend to perform exterior work to their properties in 2012.  Complete and submit the PRE-APPLICATION by March 23rd, listing the members of the cluster and a group representative.

After a group submits the pre-application, it will be given a full application to complete by April 20th.  To complete the application, each member of the group must outline the work they intend to complete and resources/skills they can contribute to their group.  2012’s Renaissance Blocks will be announced by the middle of May.

For more information, please download the following resources:

2012 Renaissance Block Challenge Pre-Application

Renaissance Block Challenge Fact Sheet     

2011 Renaissance Blocks

In its 2011 inaugural year, four neighborhood clusters received designation as Renaissance Blocks:

• Royal Avenue
• Liberty Street
• Lincoln Street
• Grant Street

Throughout the summer and fall of 2011, 30 participating property owners in these four clusters worked on a wide variety of improvements, including landscaping, exterior painting, porch repair, walkway and sidewalk repair, lighting, and other work.  Visit JRC’s Facebook to see the results.

2011-2012 Renaissance Block Challenge Sponsors:

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation
The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation
The Lenna Foundation
Northwest Savings Bank

Special discounts provided to participants by:
Brigiotta’s Greenhouse & Garden Center
Chautauqua Brick
Everyday’s Super True Value