The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Committee to Address Homelessness met Monday, Aug. 26, to receive an update from the project architect and provide direction on what they want to see in the building program and design of the facility.
Heather Skeens, Assistant County Manager for Community Support, gave Committee members an update on progress since the last meeting, including the onboarding of project architect LS3P in May. Since that time, LS3P has been working with County staff, with input from a Homeless Advisory Committee, to develop a proposed building program for the Homeless Support Center and receive initial feedback to inform the facility’s design. Skeens said staff are currently working to bring a contract for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to the Board of Commissioners for approval following the Board’s selection of Barr & Barr and McFarland Construction earlier this month.
Bob Pressley, Project Manager with LS3P, shared that the project is currently nearing the end of the Visioning and Programming phase before entering into the Concept Design and Planning phase. He said the goal of the current phase is to develop an understanding of the building’s size, desired spaces within the building and the number and types of shelter beds the building will contain.
Pressley presented an initial concept program of around 45,000 square feet over two floors, including approximately 157 beds with separate congregate and semi-private spaces for men and women along with sleeping areas for families. He also shared feedback regarding the aesthetic design of the facility, noting stakeholders preferred a warm and “homey” space that provides a welcoming environment for those entering the facility.
Pressley said he anticipates coming back to the Committee in mid-September to provide another update before bringing a final concept design, with renderings and a cost estimate, to the Committee and Board of Commissioners in October.
Skeens shared that a Community Meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at 400 Campbell Avenue, Fayetteville. Anyone interested in providing input on the program and design of the Homeless Support Center is invited to attend.
For more information about Cumberland County Government, visit cumberlandcountync.gov.
The building began as an empty shell and after major construction and renovations, the first floor is almost ready for guests. Photo by GFBJ.It has been a busy two years at 104 Fayetteville St. in downtown Clinton for R & R Brewing. Sin
Rich Farm & Venue is a 37-acre space with amenities suitable for any occasion such as weddings, birthday parties and more. Photos provided by Rich Farm & Venue. Rich Farm & Venue in the town of Roseboro combines affordable prices and
Kellie Artis is the owner of Bound & Vine, a soon-to-open independent bookstore and wine bar. Photo by GFBJ. Bookworms and wine lovers are in for a treat as downtown’s newest tenant prepares to open later this year. Kellie Artis is the