A new era is beginning for the 400 block of Hay Street as local visionaries Joseph Allen and Joy Vunk proudly announce the launch of The Gathering Place Event Center, a Business Incubator and an Urban Market, all aimed at revitalizing downtown Fayetteville.

In partnership with local building owners, this initiative is designed to breathe new life into one of the city’s most historic corridors. From hosting community celebrations and networking events to supporting startups and culinary ventures, the 400 block will become a dynamic hub for connection, growth and opportunity.

“We’re inviting dreamers, doers and difference-makers to join us,” said Joseph Allen in a press release. Allen’s lifelong dream has been to help build a thriving small business community in downtown Fayetteville. “The Gathering Place is more than a venue—it’s a launchpad for ideas and a home for small businesses ready to grow.”

“It’s called The Gathering Place, because we want it to be a safe place where people can come in and build their businesses from the bottom up and make it a safe place for the community to enjoy. There’s a lot of great boutiques downtown. There’s a lot of great restaurants downtown. There’s not really a hub where you can come into a space and get all of the things that you require. That’s what we're trying to offer here,” remarked Joy Vunk, co-founder.

Their three-story, 200,000 square-foot business incubator space is located at 420 Maiden Lane. The building features an elevator, construction has begun on handicap bathrooms for the first floor, and the second and third floors feature window walls offering views of Segra Stadium. The building is already occupied with AIT, Rough Riders Security and Sol's Barcade + Taproom, and now the door is open for additional tenants to gather and grow in this space. 

The first floor features The Gathering Place Event Center which is already up and running. People have begun booking the space for events ranging from birthday parties to wedding parties and more. The event center features a dance floor and a bar for guests to enjoy. Rental rates start as low as $600 a day on weekdays.

The first floor will also feature a grab and go café for tenants and customers to have access to fresh, healthy food options. 

The second floor features office space, retail space and space with the potential to be whatever Fayetteville’s next business mogul can dream of. Each space is rentable for what the business needs. Some tenants have already signed the lease and are working to renovate their space to fit their exact goals. Offices start as low as $500 a month for smaller rooms, and they go all the way up to $2,000 a month. The second floor also features a common space for professionals to gather. 

In addition to private offices, the second story also has space that will soon be home to retailers and even a church. These public-facing businesses are separated from the private business suites allowing for all business types to operate in a way that is most convenient for their work. 

The third floor, overlooking the stadium, is a large, empty canvas with unlimited potential. Vunk shared that she can imagine it being a magnificent wine bar or comedy club, but ultimately the sky is the limit. There’s also a large studio space already equipped with studio mirrors that could make for a great dance studio or yoga studio. A gym, a department store or something Fayetteville has yet to experience could all find their home in this expansive building. 

Vunk adds, “Joe and I see, as small business owners ourselves, there’s not so many opportunities for small businesses. So if we can let small businesses come and join together to make a huge impact on Fayetteville, that’s what we want to do. We want it to be a safe, healthy place for people to come start their business and bring something great to Fayetteville–[A place where] people can come and enjoy the services of different businesses, from churches to schools to gyms to office communities, and then, of course, retail. So our goal is to make all of that come together.”

An additional part of this 400 block transformation will include the Urban Market housed in the iconic Prince Charles building, with a focus on attracting food-related businesses eager to be part of a much-needed culinary hub in the heart of the city. 

“My passion has always been bringing people together through food. Breaking bread creates community—and that’s exactly what we’re building here,” remarked Vunk. 

Entrepreneurs from all sectors are also encouraged to explore opportunities within the business incubator and event space.

The Gathering Place is also looking to host vendors for the city’s 4th Friday events taking place on the fourth Friday of each month. Businesses can also mark their calendars for the Business Meet & Greet at The Gathering Place scheduled for June 13. Come out for an engaging afternoon of networking, inspiration and opportunity. This special event offers guests a chance to connect with fellow professionals and explore the vibrant business hub. The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. Sign up is available on the business’s Facebook page. 

To learn more about how you can be part of the 400 block transformation, contact info@thegatheringplace.live. More information can be found on their website: www.thegatheringplace.live.