(Conceptual rendering of the proposed South County offices at 310 E. Third St. in Jamestown, NY)
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – The Chautauqua County Legislature has approved a lease agreement authorizing Chautauqua County Government to relocate its South County operations to the Lynn Building at 310 East Third Street in Jamestown beginning in 2027.
The action allows the County to begin planning for the transition well in advance of the expiration of leases for the current South County Office Building and several additional leased office spaces throughout Jamestown.
The lease agreement with 310-322 East Third Ventures, LLC provides approximately 54,000 square feet of office space with the opportunity for future expansion. The building is located just one block from the current South County Office Building and already contains much of the IT infrastructure needed to support County operations.
County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. said the decision follows an extensive review of numerous potential locations throughout the greater Jamestown area.
"This has been an incredibly thoughtful and deliberate process," said Wendel. "Our team carefully evaluated several properties while balancing the needs of our employees, the residents we serve, and the taxpayers who expect us to make responsible long-term decisions. Throughout this process, I also wanted to respect the wishes expressed by members of the County Legislature who asked that South County services remain in downtown Jamestown."
Wendel noted that while locations outside the city — including the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood — were evaluated, keeping services in downtown Jamestown ultimately aligned with both legislative feedback and the County's operational goals.
"At the end of the day, this isn't simply about relocating offices," Wendel said. "It's about creating a modern, welcoming, and functional environment where County employees can do their best work while providing residents with improved access to essential government services. Our employees deserve quality workspaces, and the people of Chautauqua County deserve facilities that reflect the level of service we're committed to providing."
The County currently leases office space at the South County Office Building on East Fourth Street, as well as additional facilities on West Third Street and East Fifth Street. Those leases expire in 2027, making advance planning necessary to ensure uninterrupted public services.
The current facility has several operational deficiencies and no longer provides the modern, efficient workspace needed to effectively serve both County employees and the public.
The long-term plan is to consolidate several County departments currently operating from multiple leased locations into a single facility, improving coordination among departments and making government services more convenient for residents.
County officials anticipate initially relocating several departments into the building, with additional details regarding occupancy and transition plans to be announced as planning progresses.
The lease approved by the Legislature authorizes a 10-year agreement beginning in 2027, with rent based on approximately 54,000 square feet of office space and options for future expansion as County needs evolve.
