St. Susan Center Charts Sustainable Path Forward at Gateway Center

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — After months of careful evaluation and financial analysis, the St. Susan Center Board of Directors has voted to remain at its longtime home in the Gateway Center at 31 Water Street and to pursue tenancy within the Gateway Lofts redevelopment project.

The opportunity to explore relocation emerged in October 2024 when the Conklin family generously donated the former Jamestown Business College (JBC) building to St. Susan Center.

Over the past year, St. Susan Center completed architectural studies, site plan approvals, and detailed construction estimates for the Jamestown Business College property. As planning advanced, projected renovation costs increased substantially — rising from early estimates of approximately $1 million to nearly $3 million — due largely to the significant change of use from a school building to a commercial food service facility. 

“Our responsibility is to ensure the long-term sustainability of St. Susan Center and the uninterrupted delivery of meals and services,” said Greg Lindquist, Board President. “Taking on a project of that scale would introduce significant financial risk. After thoughtful deliberation, the Board concluded that remaining at Gateway and working toward a long-term lease arrangement is the most responsible path forward at this time.”

After careful analysis and a structured evaluation process, the Board determined that assuming this level of financial exposure would place significant long-term strain on the organization and risk the stability of daily operations.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Conklin family for their extraordinary generosity,” said Cherie Rowland, Executive Director of St. Susan Center. “Their gift gave us the opportunity to explore a bold vision for expanding and enhancing our services. We remain deeply thankful for their compassion and commitment to our community.”

The Gateway Lofts project, led by Southern Tier Environments for Living (STEL) in partnership with Community Helping Hands and the YWCA of Jamestown, will transform the former Chautauqua Hardware factory into a 110-unit affordable housing development with supportive services. The project has progressed significantly and represents meaningful long-term investment in the property and the surrounding neighborhood.

“We are very pleased that St. Susan Center has decided to remain at the Gateway Center,” said Thomas Whitney, Executive Director of Southern Tier Environments for Living. “St. Susan Center has provided essential services to the community for 40 years, and we look forward to working together well into the future. The Gateway Lofts project is uniquely positioned to bring multiple service providers together to support those in need.”

Remaining at Water Street allows St. Susan Center to continue operating without interruption while improvements are made. It preserves accessibility and maintains the organization’s 40-year presence in the downtown corridor.

“We are pleased that St. Susan Center will continue its important work at the Gateway Center,” said Shawn Whitmer, Executive Director of Community Helping Hands Inc. “Their presence has long been a vital part of this building and of the broader downtown community. Community Helping Hands fully supports their decision and remains committed to working in close partnership as we move forward together. We are excited about the progress of the Gateway Lofts redevelopment and the investment it represents for this property and for Jamestown’s future.”

Funds raised through the Capital Campaign will support meaningful renovations and improvements within the current space — enhancing safety, kitchen efficiency, and the overall experience for those served.

“This was not an easy decision,” Rowland added. “But it was made with careful attention to stewardship, stability, and our commitment to serve our community with dignity and consistency every day. While our project address has changed, our need for kitchen equipment and renovations has not. Previously secured donations will still be used to help us fulfill this goal, and donors who gave $1,000 or more will be recognized in our dining room at the Gateway Center. We want the community to know we are truly thankful for the continued trust and investment in our mission — what happens here goes far beyond sharing tables; it grows into futures reshaped, dreams reclaimed, and a community strengthened one life at a time.”

St. Susan Center has served the Jamestown community for four decades, freely offering meals, fellowship, dignity, and respect to all who come through its doors.

For more information or to support St. Susan Center, visit stsusancenter.org.