Well, the Downtown Event Center is back in the news and not in a good way. The project's architects are suing Cumberland County for unpaid fees. Who didn’t see that coming? Before the saga continues, I want to again commend the current Cumberland County Board of Commissioners for their prudent and courageous leadership regarding the proposed Downtown Crown Event Center. Their decision in March to halt construction, and investigate alleged questionable spending, ultimately led to the June 4 decision to cancel the project altogether. This action reflects a renewed commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. Under the guidance of Chairman Kirk deViere, the board demonstrated a clear shift toward protecting taxpayer interests and prioritizing community needs.
The original vision for the Event Center was ambitious—an 89,000-square-foot downtown venue designed to replace aging facilities at the Crown Complex. But over time, the project ballooned in both scope and cost, reaching a staggering $145 million. Multiple redesigns, delayed hiring of construction managers, and escalating prices of materials and fees created confusion and concern. The board’s decision to pause construction in March was both necessary and commendable.
Equally as important now is the board’s handling of the ongoing $1.3 million lawsuit filed by EwingCole, the Pennsylvania-based architectural firm originally contracted to design the Event Center. The firm claims it is owed for services rendered, including the disputed redesign fee. While the legal process unfolds, Chairman deViere and the board have approached the matter with professionalism and restraint, seeking resolution through mediation, which failed, and legal review. Their commitment to due diligence and accountability stands in stark and refreshing contrast to the opaque practices of prior county leadership.
However, for many of us in the community, this entire ordeal raises a deeper concern: Why were local architects, vendors, and construction managers not considered or prioritized from the beginning for this local project? Fayetteville and Cumberland County are home to many talented architects, contractors and building professionals who also understand our community’s values, infrastructure, and limitations far better than any out-of-town firm.
Had local expertise been engaged, we might have avoided the costly redesigns, missteps, , and delays that now burden taxpayers and erode public trust.
There are reasons outsiders are often chosen—and it’s time we examine those reasons. Whether it stems from outdated procurement practices, political favoritism, or misplaced perceptions of prestige, the exclusion of local businesses from major public projects is a disservice to our citizens and the local economy. I am hopeful that our newly installed Board of Commissioners will address these inequities. Under Chairman deViere’s leadership, we have an opportunity to restore integrity and trust to our contracting processes and ensure that future projects reflect the strengths and voices of the community.
The board’s decision to renovate the existing Crown Coliseum properties is a step in the right direction. This preserves a beloved venue, avoids unnecessary spending, and supports the infrastructure we already have. More importantly, it signals a shift toward practical, community-driven solutions. Let this be a turning point—not just in how we manage public funds, but in how we value local talent and invest in our own community.
I urge the Board to continue its investigation into the questionable actions of former leadership and to make its findings public when appropriate. Transparency is not just a legal obligation—it’s a moral one. The citizens of Cumberland County deserve to know how and why decisions were made, and what safeguards will be put in place to prevent future mismanagement.
In closing, I want to again applaud the work of our current Board of Commissioners for their clarity, courage, and commitment to doing what’s right. Let us build on this momentum by embracing local talent, forming local partnerships, demanding accountability, and ensuring that every public dollar serves the public good. That’s the way Cumberland County will prosper in the future.
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(A concept drawing from EwingCole, the architecture firm tasked with designing the new Crown Downtown Event Center, shows how the building could have looked. The firm is suing Cumberland County for $1.3 million for services rendered including the redesign fee. Photo courtesy of Cumberland County)