Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Robert Van Geons presented a proposed mixed-use development concept for the Gillespie Street lot at the May 18 Cumberland County Board of Commissioners meeting. The proposal includes approximately 125 hotel rooms, restaurant space, meeting and convention space, green space, commercial space and parking.
“We've had a number of folks at times express an interest in developing a full-service hotel in downtown Fayetteville, one with both a full-service restaurant and also large enough to have a meeting area that could host moderately sized meetings. Importantly, this would be different from what has been discussed on top of the parking deck by the city, as it would be a larger and more amenity-laden type of property based on the space available…with that said, we set out to one, look at what the site could physically accommodate, and two, what would be market viable,” remarked Van Geons during the presentation.
FCEDC hired REVPAR International, a hospitality consulting firm based in Alexandria, Va., to conduct a market study to assess both the feasibility of the site and the depth of demand. REVPAR’s research suggests that a well-positioned, amenity-rich property downtown could capture unmet demand from office users, higher education, healthcare, leisure visitors and social events such as weddings and reunions.
The project would be constructed on the site previously reserved for the county’s new Crown Event Center. Concept renderings depict a project that fully activates the block, featuring ground-floor restaurant and retail spaces, structured parking, and flexible meeting and ballroom areas. The design incorporates local architectural themes and materials, aiming to reflect Fayetteville’s history and character while driving foot traffic to support surrounding businesses.
No action was taken in regard to the proposal at this time following this initial presentation. If plans for the hotel move forward, next steps center on identifying a qualified development partner through a formal RFP process.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
