Scenic Streetscapes

Improving the look of city streets, facades and storefronts helps make people feel more welcome and demonstrates that business owners in Jamestown care about their product and their patrons.

Early successes were largely as a result of the adoption of the Jamestown Urban Design Plan in 2006 through partnerships between the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC), Gebbie Foundation and the City of Jamestown. Over 36 facades were renovated, 5 alleys were resurfaced, and 3 public gathering spaces were developed.

Jamestown experienced an explosion of activity during the spring and summer of 2018, in preparation for the opening of the National Comedy Center. To make our city more welcoming for the anticipated 114,000 annual visitors, new planters, benches, and trash receptacles were purchased and installed. JRC undertook a window decoration program that not only transformed unsightly storefronts, but created “selfie” moments for visitors to the downtown.

This all took place while the brick-colored pavers were being installed along Second Street to create a public Piazza. To complement the many brick buildings and brick streets in Jamestown, the City and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts installed brick-pavers as part of their streetscape demonstration projects supported by the 2016 New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

During the pandemic, Gebbie partnered with JRC and local restaurants  to improve the look and feel of the downtown. Restaurants began installing parkets, patios, and seating to create outdoor dining spaces. People continue to enjoy these spaces in the warmer months whenever they dine out!