Downtown Development

Originally built in 1897, the Wellman Building project converted two vacant and connected historic buildings into 44 market-rate apartments and two street-level retail spaces. Helping to jumpstart the occupancy of this $7.5 million renovation project, the Gebbie Foundation located its offices in the building.

Photos: Wellman renovation on Foundry Alley, 3rd St. entrance to Wellman Building

The National Comedy Center’s (NCC) physical structure is comprised of two historic buildings connected by infill construction. Jamestown’s former Erie – Lackawanna Train Station had been partially renovated in 2012, but lacked tenants that could financially sustain the building. Housing NCC in the structure was a win-win for the community by ensuring the building would be maintained for decades to come and by providing a home for a world-class attraction as was recommended in Jamestown’s Urban Design Plan.

To provide adequate square footage for the attraction, NCC purchased a former electric public utility building. Its red brick walls evoke an atmosphere of a comedy club, providing a suitable backdrop for a Center that celebrates the art form. Other key buildings are under development or are available for development such as the historic Furniture Mart Building on 2nd Street adjacent to the National Comedy Center.

Photo: National Comedy Center