Cumberland County Commissioners select new performing arts center site

The Fayetteville Observer
·3 min read
A concept of what a performing arts center could look like was included in a presentation by Urban Design Associates during a public meeting on Oct. 25, 2018.
A concept of what a performing arts center could look like was included in a presentation by Urban Design Associates during a public meeting on Oct. 25, 2018.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY — After several years of deliberations about a new multipurpose performing arts center, Cumberland County Commissioners have settled on a downtown site.

During a special meeting Monday, commissioners unanimously approved a site in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, which is an existing county-owned parking lot.

The site is bordered by Otis Jones Parkway and Gillespie, E. Russell and Dick streets in downtown Fayetteville.

The estimated cost for a contract with the architects EwingCole, includes the architect and consultants is about $6.439 million, said Jermaine Walker, Cumberland County engineering director.

The center will replace the existing, aging Crown Theatre and Arena.

Walker said the county’s original capital budget ordinance was $5.5 million for architect fees, plus an additional $9 million in contingency fees.

The estimated construction cost of $65-$85 million was calculated last year.

Following Monday’s meeting, Commissioner Charles Evans, who made the motion to approve the project’s site, said county officials are ready to move the project forward, with hopes that it’ll be ready by 2025.

The center, Walker said, will range in size from 69,000 to 89,000 square feet on about three acres and seat between 2,500 to 3,000 patrons.

The venue will also serve many functions, including live performances, music, dance, Broadway-type performances, a banquet hall and community meeting space, he said.

A rendering shows what a multi-purpose event center would look like between Gillespie Street, Otis Jones Parkway, E. Russell Street and Dick Street in downtown Fayetteville.
A rendering shows what a multi-purpose event center would look like between Gillespie Street, Otis Jones Parkway, E. Russell Street and Dick Street in downtown Fayetteville.

Cannon said the Crown Committee, which is chaired by Commissioner Jeannette Council and includes Commissioners Glenn Adams and Jimmy Keefe, has spent the last seven to eight months determining a site.

“There was a significant community engagement process that started with the board, the Crown Event Center and community to build the guiding principles for this center,” Cannon said.

Three locations evaluated in a feasibility study included the Fayetteville Outer Loop area, the original Crown Complex area and six sites downtown.

“Basically, we were looking for any county or city-owned property,” Cannon said.

Officials also wanted to take into consideration that there are no issues like being in a wetland or flood plain area, and ensuring the site has easy access, is near amenities and buses and has nearby parking.

Cumberland County Commissioners have decided to locate a multi-purpose events center in downtown Fayetteville in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.
Cumberland County Commissioners have decided to locate a multi-purpose events center in downtown Fayetteville in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.

Walker said plans will need to be finalized for a traffic flow design and demolition.

New county manager named

In other business Monday, commissioners voted 6-1 to approve hiring Clarence Grier as the new county manager.

Cannon is retiring Thursday after working for Cumberland County since 1990.

Commissioner Michael Boose cast the opposing vote, while Commissioners Keefe, Council, Toni Stewart, Larry Lancaster and Evans approved the hire.

Grier is currently the deputy city manager for Roanoke, Virginia.

He previously worked as deputy county manager for Guilford County from 2015 to 2021 and was an assistant city manager and chief financial officer for Orange County from 2009 to 2015.

Evans said Grier will be the first Black county manager for Cumberland County.

“He’s a splendid guy, and from sitting with him during the interview process, I think he’ll be a jewel for Cumberland County,” Evans said.

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.

More:When will we learn the location of Cumberland County's new performing arts center?

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Cumberland County Commissioners select site for performing arts center