As Cumberland County prepares to break ground on the Crown Event Center project, the County will officially close the parking lot in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse effective Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. 

In advance of this closure, County officials encourage the public to take note of alternative parking options. The primary parking area for Courthouse visitors will be located behind the First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville, accessible via the driveway located in the 200 block of Person Street. This lot is available for both County and Courthouse employees and the public conducting business at the Courthouse on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

ADA accessible parking will continue to be available directly behind the Courthouse, and the drop-off lane will remain available for use in front of the Courthouse. Visitors using the Person Street lot can access the Courthouse using the front entrance, although the most direct and accessible entry point will be located behind the Courthouse near the ATM.  

The County advises visitors that the County parking lots adjacent to the Historic Courthouse at 130 Gillespie Street, and Veterans Services at 301 E. Russell St., are reserved for employees and visitors of those facilities. Using these lots for Courthouse parking will limit access for those needing to use these services. The County has also designated the County-owned gravel lots at 334 Person Street and 125 S. Kennedy St. for public use at no cost. 

For additional parking options in the downtown area, the City of Fayetteville offers a detailed map on their website. 

In November 2022, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners selected the parking lot in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse as the site for the new Crown Event Center, which is set to open in Spring 2027. On Sept. 16, the Board approved a contract amendment with the project’s Construction Manager-at-Risk, TA Loving/Metcon, to begin sitework and demolition. 

The Board has also approved a contract for design of a new parking deck to be constructed directly behind the Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center. This deck will provide long-term parking for various County construction projects in the area, making up for any displaced parking and accommodating future growth. The parking deck is expected to be complete in 2026.