FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Downtown Fayetteville leaders and economic development officials are continuing discussions surrounding a proposed mixed-use hospitality project known as “The Cumberland,” a concept that could potentially bring hotel, convention, dining, retail and gathering space development to the city’s urban core.
The proposal was recently presented to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners by Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Robert Van Geons alongside hospitality consultant Robert Vitale of REVPAR International.
According to public presentations and discussions, the proposed development would be located on Gillespie Street across from the Cumberland County Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center on the same downtown property once planned for the proposed Crown Event Center project. The site currently serves as a gravel parking lot following the cancellation of the event center development.
The original Crown Event Center project had been backed by Cumberland County and remained in planning stages for years before county commissioners later voted to shift toward renovations at the existing Crown Arena and Crown Theater facilities instead.
Public discussions surrounding the canceled project have referenced approximately $14 million previously spent on planning, engineering, demolition, land preparation and related work tied to the downtown site. Discussions have also referenced more than $20 million previously allocated toward contract-related work associated with the project, although officials have not publicly clarified what portions may be recoverable, redirected or reused for future development efforts.
According to concepts currently being explored, “The Cumberland” proposal could potentially include:
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS
Upscale Hotel
Approximately 125 hotel rooms
Convention And Meeting Space
Event and conference facilities aimed at tourism, business and group gatherings
Dining And Rooftop Amenities
Restaurants, entertainment space and rooftop gathering areas
Retail Storefront Opportunities
Potential commercial and shopping space integrated into the development
Structured Parking Deck
Parking infrastructure designed to support hotel and convention traffic
Future Residential Components
Possible apartment or mixed residential additions in later phases
Public Gathering Areas
Outdoor green space and pedestrian-oriented sections
Officials involved in the discussions noted the site would sit within walking distance of several downtown attractions, although destinations such as Segra Stadium, Festival Park and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum remain roughly a half-mile away from the proposed location.
Consultants presenting the concept reportedly stated that Fayetteville’s downtown area may have additional opportunities connected to conventions, weddings, business travel, tourism and overnight visitor activity that could support expanded lodging and event infrastructure.
Tourism and destination marketing efforts throughout Cumberland County are largely managed through the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, commonly known as the FACVB. The organization previously underwent a rebranding campaign under the “DistiNCtly Fayetteville” identity before later returning to the traditional FACVB branding.
The FACVB is funded primarily through the county’s 6% occupancy tax collected from hotel stays throughout the greater Fayetteville area and works alongside local organizations to promote conventions, tournaments, tourism and visitor-related activity across the region.
County funding discussions have also referenced more than $3 million in annual support connected to FACVB operations, potentially opening broader conversations regarding tourism investment, hospitality growth and future convention-related development opportunities.
Cumberland County Board Chairman Kirk deViere said no final structure has been determined and discussions remain ongoing regarding whether the proposal could involve private development, public investment or a combination of both.
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin has also publicly discussed broader conversations surrounding downtown tourism infrastructure and long-term convention growth tied to the city’s future development strategy.
County commissioners have not approved the project, and no final development agreements, funding structures or construction timelines have been announced. Officials say feasibility reviews and discussions are still ongoing.
Kres Thomas
FayToday News
