County issues Request for Qualifications for Crown project Construction Manager at Risk
By Staff Report, posted Jan 28, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com
Cumberland County has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), seeking qualified firms to provide Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) services for the modernization and renovation of the Crown Theatre and Arena, collectively known as the Crown Complex.
This key step marks continued progress in the County’s plan to transform the existing Crown facilities into a modern, accessible and first-class event venue that supports the region’s cultural and economic vitality.
The selected firm will serve as the County’s representative, overseeing daily coordination, schedule review, construction progress and quality assurance. Responsibilities will include assisting with contractor and architect selection, budget monitoring and ensuring that all project milestones are achieved on time and within scope.
On June 4, 2025, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted to discontinue construction of the previously proposed Crown Event Center in downtown Fayetteville and instead pursue full renovation and modernization of the current Crown Theatre and Arena. The updated project will build on prior feasibility studies, community engagement and the Board’s Guiding Principles, ensuring alignment with the County’s vision for accessibility, functionality and fiscal responsibility.
Cumberland County encourages responses from local, minority-owned, women-owned, Veteran-owned, disabled Veteran-owned and small diverse businesses, as well as firms that have not previously worked with the County.
Key Dates
- RFQ Issued: Jan. 28, 2026
- CMaR Info Session: Feb. 17, 2026, at 10 a.m.
- Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: Feb. 20, 2026, 9 - 11 a.m. in Conference Room A at Cumberland County Department of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey. St., Fayetteville (use Hillsboro Street entrance)
- Questions Due: Feb. 20, 2026, by 5 p.m. EST and must be emailed to Gena Buhler and Cumberland County Director of Engineering & Infrastructure Ken Griffin at kgriffin@cumberlandcountync.gov
- Addendum Responses Published: Feb. 23, 2026, by 5 p.m. EST
- Proposals Due: Feb. 27, 2026, by 5 p.m. EST (five hard copies and one digital PDF on a flash drive)
- Evaluation Committee Shortlist: March 13, 2026
- Interviews: March 2026
The complete RFQ document, submission requirements and supporting materials, including prior studies and meeting minutes, are available at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/commissioners-group/commissioners/crown-event-center-committee.
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