FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Crown Event Center Committee voted Tuesday to move a revised set of guiding principles forward for the project to construct a new multipurpose event center. The guiding principles are a project-specific set of values or statements that will be used to establish a common direction for the project and serve as high-level goals to inform future project decisions.

MBP Carolinas, the owner’s representative for the project, presented the Committee with the recommended guiding principles, which were revised following a series of workshops during which project stakeholders reviewed the draft guiding principles and provided feedback. The Committee, which is comprised of Commissioners Jeannette Council (who serves as chair), Jimmy Keefe, and Board Chairman Glenn Adams, voted to accept the recommended guiding principles as amended and move them forward to the full Board for consideration at their September 6, 2022, meeting.

The recommended guiding principles for the Crown Event Center project include the following:

1. A local and regional asset that builds upon existing economic development infrastructure and is a catalyst for existing and new businesses to flourish.
2. A venue that enhances and elevates our community as a premier destination for entertainment, events, and gatherings.
3. A quality, evolving, and efficient venue that provides a first-class experience with a lasting impression.
4. Premier, welcoming, and accessible experience available to all patrons.
5. Flexible and functional venue with multiple spaces to accommodate a variety of programming:
   
   
   • Capitalize on market gap for 500-3,000 capacity
   • Diverse programming that appeals to broad ranges of interests
   • Affordable spaces to accommodate local and regional cultural programs hosted by schools, universities, arts organizations, and community organizations.
6. An engaging community amenity that is financially self-sustaining.

MBP is also planning to hold an informational session next month for local architects, engineers and contractors to encourage local participation and provide an opportunity for them to connect with regional and national firms that are interested in the project. Additional information about this session will be shared once a date and location have been finalized.

In addition to considering the recommended guiding principles, the Board will also be asked on September 6 to approve a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an Architect for the project.

The Crown Event Center Committee went into closed session to discuss Real Property Acquisition pursuant to NCGS 143.318.11(a)(5).

For more information on the Crown Event Center project, go to https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/commissioners-group/commissioners/crown-event-center-committee.