Design and Construction Report staff writer
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has killed the planned construction of the new Crown Event Center in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina and terminated all contracts for the project. Instead, the County will pursue a full renovation and modernization of the existing Crown Complex, including the Crown Theatre and Arena.
Leaders broke ground in October on the 134,000 sq.-ft. project.
“This is not only is it great for arts and culture and entertainment, but it’s also an economic driver, an image enhancer, and it will benefit our community in so many ways,” said Cumberland County Commissioner Jimmy Keefe said at the groundbreaking.
Commissioners were concerned about the cost which had risen to $153 million, up from the original $145 million estimate. Also, the cost could rise to more than $190 million if a parking deck is included.
At the June 10 meeting, the board approved several key motions:
- Rejection of the GMP3 (Guaranteed Maximum Price) amendment for the downtown project;
- Termination of all contracts related to the downtown Crown Event Center;
- Direction for County Manager Clarence Grier to develop and return within 30 days with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a renovation development framework.
“This decision was not made lightly,” said Board Chairman Kirk deViere. “But it reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparent governance, and practical solutions that serve the long-term interests of our residents.”
Grier’s presentation to the board included the final GMP3 estimate for the downtown center, renovation cost projections for the existing facilities, and a downtown parking assessment. The full presentation is available on the Cumberland County website.
The original Crown Theatre and Arena opened in 1967, with the Crown Ballroom added in 1997. The County launched plans for a new downtown event center in 2022, citing the aging infrastructure and the need for modern event space. The initiative progressed through several phases, including community engagement, design approval, and a ceremonial groundbreaking in October 2024.
However, in early 2025, the Board of Commissioners voted to pause construction and requested a re-evaluation of the project’s direction. The review, completed in recent months, compared the cost and community impact of continuing downtown construction versus upgrading the existing facilities.
Tuesday’s vote concludes that reassessment and marks a new chapter in the County’s approach to cultural and event infrastructure.
Further details on the RFQ and next steps for the Crown Complex renovation are expected in the coming weeks.
