Cumberland County is one step closer in its plans for the new Crown Event Center, a multipurpose building that will replace the old Crown Theater and Arena.
Earlier this month, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a construction manager for the project. Construction of the center will be headed by the companies TA Loving and Metcon Inc. The board is expected to consider a final contract with the companies at its meeting on May 15.
Last November, the board announced that the new center will be located in downtown Fayetteville, moving away from the theater and arena’s current location off Interstate 95 near Owen Drive.
Assistant Manager Brian Haney said in an emailed statement to CityView that county officials hope to begin construction in early 2024. The new center is set to open by November 2025. The deadline to close the old theater and arena is Oct. 31, 2025.
At a Crown Complex board meeting last Tuesday, Haney said TA Loving and Metcon scored the highest on the county’s method of selecting contractors. He said county officials also liked the companies’ local presence.
“One of the guiding principles is to lift up the community through this project,” Haney said.
Ben Sessoms covers Fayetteville and education for CityView. He can be reached at bsessoms@cityviewnc.com.
