Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

New Crown Event Center in Fayetteville Gets Change To Building Look and Setup

Author Don Chase and Brandon Plotnick
The new Crown Event Center in Downtown Fayetteville got a revised visual plan.

The new Crown Event Center scheduled to be built in Downtown Fayetteville is starting to come together visually, as a key committee has approved a new schematic design.

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Crown Event Center Committee voted last week to send a new, revised approach for the facade of the building, to the full Board of Commissioners for a vote.

The building is set to be built on Gillespie Street, in the space currently serving as a parking lot for the Cumberland County Courthouse. It is designed to replace the Crown Theater and the Crown Arena, which are set to close in October of 2025. (Note: The Crown Coliseum is NOT set to close. Just the Theater and Arena facilities.)

The new design moves the footprint of the building back off of Gillespie Street slightly, to allow for more pedestrian access at the front of the building. And it adds a new wood-look column setup on the glass facade. Bill Koonz, Regional Director for architect EwingCole, shared the updates.

“It’s impressive,” said Commissioner Jimmy Keefe. “This is a big day for Cumberland County.”

The release also said there is a cost increase associated with some of the changes, but they are still within the approved budget.

“Additionally, Koonz shared a proposed adjustment to the facility’s service yard, which would enclose the service yard; accommodate more large trucks for events and performances; provide capacity for back-of-house spaces to be located on the first floor; and allow the building footprint to be moved off Gillespie Street to give more room for pedestrian traffic and queueing before events,” the release said. “Although there are additional costs to the changes, Koonz noted the project is still within the Board of Commissioners’ approved budget.”

The full Board of Commissioners is set to vote on the Crown Event Center project on Tuesday night at its regularly-scheduled meeting in Fayetteville.

Don Chase is living out his dreams, anchoring The Big Wake-Up with Don Chase & Sarah weekday mornings on KML. With over 35 years with Beasley Media, Don believes that the best is yet to come. The unofficial Mayor of Fayetteville radio, Don Chase writes about Fayetteville and North Carolina news, as well as entertaining perspectives on music, culture and more.

5 of the Best Date Destinations in North Carolina for Romance Awareness Month

August is here and that means it’s Romance Awareness Month! It’s like if Valentine’s Day lasted all month long, which honestly sounds amazing when you think about all that chocolate. And to help you and your better half get all lovey-dovey, I found the most romantic North Carolina date destinations you can visit this month!

Even the healthiest and happiest relationships need an occasional change of scenery to keep things fresh. In an interview with Psych Central, licensed clinical counselor Shlomo Slatkin stresses the importance of travel and creating new experiences with your significant other. “Besides providing much-needed time away, it returns you refreshed, invigorated, and hopeful that you can establish new patterns to avoid getting sucked back into the humdrum of everyday living.”

But that doesn’t meant that you have to break the bank on lavish trips around the world to keep the romantic spark alive. In the age of inflation, that’s simply not an option for everybody. Fortunately for you, it’s entirely possible to ignite the flame of passion while staying inside state lines, especially when said state is as beautifully diverse and picturesque as North Carolina. We’ve got mountains, beaches, historic landmarks. Hell, even romantic novel czar Nicholas Sparks lives here. I know I sure missed all those options when I lived in West Virginia for the last 5 years, while maintaining a long-distance relationship with my NC girlfriend. And now that I’m back home I can’t wait to check some of these places out!

I used the help of Tripadvisor for this list, as they had compiled an assortment of different date ideas in North Carolina. I’m listing the five destinations from their selections that I think best celebrate the spirit of Romance Awareness Month and showcase all that North Carolina has to offer. You can find the full list of travel spots here.

  • Blue Ridge Parkway

    One of the most breathtakingly beautiful national parks in the country is sure to leave you and your partner completely awestruck. With plenty of trails and overlooks to choose from, Blue Ridge Parkway is an absolute must for adventurous couples who don’t mind a good hike. It would also make for a primo photo op for, I don’t know, a proposal? Just sayin’, fellas.

  • JOLO Winery & Vineyards

    If you and your partner are both wine lovers, this is the place for you. JOLO also boasts an onsite restaurant where you can enjoy a brunch like no other. Reservations are required, so give them a call ASAP before Romance Awareness Month ends!

  • The North Carolina Arboretum

    If you and your boo thing ever take a trip towards Asheville, make sure to add the famous NC Arboretum to your list of stops along the way. The vast array of flowers and plant life can add a literal and metaphorical splash of color to your relationship.

  • North Carolina Zoo

    I’ll admit, I’m adding this one because of personal bias. The NC Zoo in Asheboro is one of the very first dates I ever went on with my now girlfriend, and it was such a magical experience that I’ll never forget. There’s really nothing like seeing some of the most magnificent animals in the world up close and personal with that special person in your life. The North Carolina Zoo works just as well for a first date as it does for a 10 year wedding anniversary.

  • North Carolina Museum of Art

    I know, I know, museums may not typically be the first thing that come to mind when you think of romantic date ideas. But the North Carolina Museum of Art offers so much more than what you would think from your typical museum. Their amphitheater hosts many incredible live performances throughout the year, and much of their artwork evokes very raw, passionate emotions that could help you and your partner grow even closer. Plus, you’d be able to hit ’em with a cute one-liner like, “you’re my favorite work of art.” SWOON.

Get The Kiss & Tell Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Stay up to date on the latest from your favorite artists, Fayetteville happenings, exclusive giveaways, and more.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Don Chase and Brandon Plotnick
Category:
Tags:
,

More Don Chase

Load More