Renaissance Block Challenge

Click here to DOWNLOAD the 2013 pre-application

The Renaissance Block Challenge encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties in order to boost confidence in Jamestown’s neighborhoods and inspire 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

How to Participate

To participate in the Renaissance Block Challenge, form a cluster of at least FIVE neighboring property owners who intend to perform exterior work to their properties. The application process begins in January of each year, with formal designation of that year’s Renaissance Blocks occurring by the end of May.

Click the link at the top of this page for the pre-application and more information about the program.

2012 Renaissance Blocks

Seven Renaissance Blocks with a combined 86 participating properties were designated in May 2012. They are located in the following areas:

• Bowen/Newton
• Chestnut Street
• Forest Heights
• Harding/Todd
• Lakeview Avenue
• Palmer/Sprague
• Woodworth/Royal

Throughout the summer and fall of 2012, the participating property owners completed a wide variety of improvements, including landscaping, exterior painting, porch repair, walkway and sidewalk repair, lighting, and other work.  Visit JRC’s Facebook Photo Albums to see the renaissance happening all over Jamestown..

2011 Renaissance Blocks

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

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

Over $41,000 was reinvested in participating properties during 2011. 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
Chautauqua County Housing Assistance Program

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