North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Cumberland County Commissioners have approved a site in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse in downtown Fayetteville.
Architect EwingCole has been awarded a $6.439 million contract to design the center, replacing the existing, aging Crown Theatre and Arena.
The county’s original capital budget ordinance was $5.5 million for architect fees, plus an additional $9 million in contingency fees and the estimated construction cost – $65-$85 million – was calculated last year.
County officials are estimating construction will be completed by 2025. The centre will range in size from 69,000 to 89,000 sq. ft. on about three acres and seat between 2,500 to 3,000 people.
“The venue will have seating, floor set-up and layout that will have the ability to hold seated events, standing-room events, banquet and ballroom events,” said Jermaine Walker, Cumberland County engineering director.
“The venue shall also be scalable, flexible to serve many functions including live performances, music, dance, Broadway-type performances, banquet hall and community meeting space.
Three locations evaluated in a feasibility study included the Fayetteville Outer Loop area, the original Crown Complex area and six downtown sites.
The contract also includes co-ordination of stakeholders, schematic design services, construction documents, guaranteed maximum price and preparation of demolition drawings
“It will also take us through substantial completion . . . and into the first month of operation,” Walker told commissioners at a special meeting.