An artist’s rendering of the proposed National Comedy Center in downtown Jamestown.

JAMESTOWN – The National Comedy Center in Jamestown has reached its fundraising goal for completing what is to become the first cultural institution and visitor experience dedicated to comedy.

The NCC sent out a media release on Friday announcing that officials have finalized a Federal New Markets Tax Credit transaction that provided the Project with approximately $5 million of equity funding.

The funding is in addition to a $3 million grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and a $5 million grant from New York State which was unveiled by Governor Andrew Cuomo in his State of the State Address as part of the Buffalo Billion II program.

These two grants provided the critical leverage that was required as the New Markets Tax Credit closing was predicated on having all other necessary funding in place.

The Gebbie Foundation has been the lead private source of funding, along with the John R. Oishei Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Lenna Foundation, Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, Johnson Foundation, the Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, and various private donors.

Once completed, NCC officials say the project will bring in 100,000 visitors a year to Jamestown, resulting in a $23 million boost to the local economy each year.

The facility has a goal of opening in 2018.

Construction of the National Comedy Center, located at the southwest corner of W. Second St. and Washington St. in Jamestown, is now underway. (Photo courtesy of National Comedy Center)

The building features specialized space for welding, CAD/CNC, engineering science, industrial equipment technology, mechanical technology, and machine tool technology programs through credit and non-credit courses.

The MTI also provides makerspaces in which local industrial entrepreneurs can partner with JCC’s advanced manufacturing faculty and students to develop prototypes.

The Jamestown MTI, which opened in 2003, underwent a $3.6 million expansion during summer and fall 2016 to accommodate additional classrooms and new equipment. The Lenna Foundation and Jessie Smith Darrah Fund contributed funds to the capital construction project.

Adaptability has been key to planning equipment purchases and course development at the MTI.

“Relevant academic programs and non-credit training offerings reinforce JCC’s commitment to provide a quality education and prepare individuals for the workforce,” emphasized John Sayegh, JCC’s vice president for the Cattaraugus County Campus, continuing education, and external partnerships.

Additional information on MTI programs and courses can be obtained by calling 716.338.1000 or visiting www.sunyjcc.edu/MTI.