Fayetteville Reviews Three Development Plans for City-Owned Downtown Site

Three plans for the Blount and Gillespie site went before the City Council on Jan. 5. The Economic and Community Development department presented potential uses for the site.

Back in June, ECD and HR&A Advisors asked residents what they wanted. People said they liked the idea of buildings with shops on the bottom and apartments on top. Outdoor eating areas and plazas where art shows, concerts, and games could happen were also on the list.

Families wanted places for kids to play and hang out. Most residents agreed they wanted homes within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Each concept offers something different. The first one puts apartments and stores around a big green space and a building for arts and events. The second plan centers everything around a park with a covered pavilion. The third option includes a smaller park or green area on Chase Street, which would be moved.

City funds will likely be needed to build the parks and public spaces, but these additions will generate new tax revenue over time. If officials skip the parks, the second and third plans could work without public funds.

Downtown Fayetteville's population has crept up just 11% since 2010. But the numbers look promising. Vacancy rates sit at 4.3%, which is good. The Blount and Gillespie site could push more growth downtown.

ECD and HR&A will write a request for qualifications first. This lets them screen vendors. The two-step process helps officials find qualified developers, narrow down the list, and then ask the finalists to submit detailed plans.

Council members will look over the RFQ before it's released. ECD will also work with the zoning commission to change rules that currently block a unified project on the site.