STATE OF THE DISTRICT 2024:
An annual snapshot of the Cool Spring Downtown District, Fayetteville’s Arts and Entertainment District.
WHO WE ARE
BOARD
Josh Choi Winterbloom CHAIR
Molly Arnold
Rude Awakening Coffee House and Cursive EX-OFFICIO
Michael Pennink Property owner, resident VICE CHAIR
Anna Hodges-Smith Hodges and Associates SECRETARY
Hampton Rutledge ERA Strother AT-LARGE
John Malzone Malzone Marketing TREASURER
CM Malik Davis City of Fayetteville NON-VOTING
Dwight Smith The Ellington-White Community Development Corporation AT-LARGE
STAFF
Chris Cauley City of Fayetteville CITY
Caroline Gregory Benavente Rand and Gregory AT-LARGE
Ebony Warfield-Graham Park Fayetteville AT-LARGE
Kennon Jackson Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County AT-LARGE
Nathan Cuffee Blue Moon Café AT-LARGE
Katrina Rubiera Rubiera Studios AT-LARGE
Isaac Halverson Resident and Ray, O’Connor, Coleman & Halverson, PLLC AT-LARGE
Bianca Shoneman President and CEO Ashanti Bennett Director of Special Projects
Lauren Falls Director of Marketing and Events
Adam Carroll Safety & Engagement Ambassador
Mark Dodd Safety & Engagement Ambassador
John Ward Safety & Engagement Ambassador
LeJuane (LJ) Bowens Poetry N’ Motion LLC AT-LARGE
Devin Heath DistiNCtly Fayetteville EX-OFFICIO
Nat Robertson Greater Fayetteville Chamber EX-OFFICIO
David Woodhouse Hay Street United Methodist AT-LARGE
Gerard Falls The Capitol Encore Academy AT-LARGE
Kristin Seeland W.S. Wellons Realty AT-LARGE
THE COOL SPRING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT’S MISSION IS TO GROW DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLE AS A DYNAMIC HUB WHERE CREATIVITY, CULTURE, AND COMMERCE THRIVE.
A Message from the Chairman
It is my pleasure to share the 2024 State of the District report—a celebration of the progress we’ve made, the partnerships we’ve built, and the powerful role that arts and entertainment continue to play in shaping Downtown Fayetteville.
Since its founding, the Cool Spring Downtown District has embraced creativity as a cornerstone of community-building. Through public art, live performances, and immersive cultural experiences, we’ve worked to create a downtown that reflects the soul of Fayetteville—a place where people feel proud to live, work, and explore.
In 2024, we brought that vision to life in new and exciting ways. From the interactive e/motion seesaws to the launch of Skeleton Alley, and the colorful lighting of the Hay Street Parking Deck, we used creativity to reimagine public space and engage our community. Our large-scale events like Juneteenth Jubilee and The Night Circus: A District New Year’s Eve Spectacular drew thousands downtown, featuring national acts like Skip Marley, Digable Planets, and Arrested Development. These experiences were made possible by generous support from the City of Fayetteville and our corporate partners— and remained free for all to enjoy.
At the same time, we remained focused on making downtown cleaner, safer, and more business-friendly. Through initiatives like our new Safety & Engagement Ambassador Program and ongoing placemaking efforts, we’re continuing to enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike.
As we look ahead, our commitment is clear: to keep using arts and entertainment as a powerful driver for economic vitality, cultural celebration, and civic pride. Thank you for supporting our work—and for loving where you live.
Josh Choi Chairman
of the Board Cool Spring Downtown District
PLACEMAKING
ACTIVATIONS
e/motion (Seesaws)
Esqueltos Creativos (Skeleton Project)
Holiday Alley
New Holiday Décor (Reindeer, 6 ft star)
Love where you live board
2024
150,000 event participants
32 events
4.1 million visits to the Cool Spring Municipal Service District staying an
SAFETY & ENGAGEMENT AMBASSADORS PROGRAM EXPANDED
With increased support from the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County, the downtown Ambassador program increased in hours of operation from 40 to 60 hours per week
Their mission is to make a person’s experience in Downtown Fayetteville safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
Downtown’s roving hospitality team is on duty seven days a week, 365 days a year to help you — whether walking you to your car, handing out sunscreen, or simply offering directions. Ambassadors are on foot in areas of high pedestrian activity. Look for the folks wearing orange shirts with “ASK ME ABOUT DOWNTOWN” on the sleeve.
CLEAN AND SAFE
WASTE REMOVAL
Daily litter street sweeps
90 Hurley pots and Street Poles have been repainted
Increased plant watering with a mobile watering device and 200 gallon drum
12 New Recycling bins sited and installed
Over 2000 LBS of cedar mulch placed in tree beds and raised planters
200 new plants planted in the hurley pots
maintenance
DEVELOPMENT
New Businesses in 2024
1. Hay Street Kitchen and Grill Kress Building (Restaurant)
2. Cru 114 Gillespie Street, (Restaurant)
3. Bees and Boards 325 Green Street (Restaurant)
4. Blanc Coffee Roasters 103 Person Street (Coffee Bar)
5. Stadium Events 421 Maiden Lane (Event Center)
6. Dreams Made Reality Anderson Street (Professional Services)
7. The Salad Box 132 Person Street (Restaurant)
8. Harm’s Way Ink 7 Market Square (Tattoo Parlor)
9. Veteran’s Lending 159 Maxwell Street (Lender)
10. Juniper and Fern 107 Gillespie Street (Tattoo Parlor)
11. The Office 110 Gillespie Street (Coworking Space)
12. Curative Mind Health, PLLC (Dr. Tim Newsome) Person Street (Behavioral Health)
13. The Salt Cave 311 Hay Street (Wellness Studio)
14. Bloom Community Farm Gillespie Street (Farmers Market)
15. Taste of West Africa 109 Person Street (Full-Service Restaurant)
16. Beauty Beyond Borders 122 Anderson Street (Salon)
17. Sori K Pop 308 Hay Street (Retail)
18. Ben Stout Construction 222 Maiden Lane (Construction HQ)
19. Kress Open Space and Rooftop Lounge 229 Hay Street (Construction HQ)
4.4% Vacancy Rate
Over the last ten years, the Vacancy Rate has steadily declined in Downtown Fayetteville. In 2014, the Vacancy Rate was 11%, while today its 4.4%. A declining vacancy rate generally suggests:
• Higher demand for downtown properties.
• Improved economic vitality — more businesses or residents are moving in.
• Potential success of revitalization or development efforts in the district.
GROW
Economic Development
Stimulate investment in downtown real estate and business ventures to expand the tax base and nurture a dynamic and sustainable local economy. By attracting new businesses, supporting existing enterprises, and creating robust job opportunities, we wil foster innovation and entrepreneurship while enhancing infrastructure. This approach will create a vibrant downtown where arts, culture, and commerce intersect, benefiting the entire community and driving longterm economic growth.
ATTRACT
Promotion & Marketing
Showcase Downtown Fayetteville as a premier arts and entertainment destination by promoting and advertising it as a dynamic, inclusive, and attractive place for guests, businesses, and residents. Through the development and sustainment of a strong, unique brand identity and an active marketing presence, we aim to attract an engaged and aligned audience.
MOBILIZE Advocacy
Champion Downtown priorities by collaborating with public and private partners to drive positive change and foster a community that meets its other goals of Grow, Welcome, Energize & Connect. This involves creating platforms for community input, representing diverse interests, and promoting policies that support economic development, social equity, and cultural vibrancy.
AMPLIFY Placemaking & Activation
Transform Downtown Fayetteville into an energetic, inclusive, and attractive destination for guests, business owners, and residents by creating meaningful experiences that reflect the unique culture, history, and identities of Fayetteville. By fostering a connected community, we will create a vibrant, engaging, and collaborative Downtown where people want to be.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The strategic planning process began in January 2024 and concluded in October 2024. It involved work sessions with Cool Spring Downtown District Board of Directors and staff, as well as extensive community stakeholder engagement.
View plan here:
WELCOME
Public Realm Enhancement
Create a vibrant and well-maintained environment and community spaces that define the Downtown experience by embodying quality and positive energy. Strengthening community partnerships, being vigilant to address any barriers to a welcoming atmosphere, and enhancing safety for visitors, property owners, and businesses wil ensure that Downtown is a space where everyone feels included and secure.
Cool Spring Downtown District investors FY24
Thank you to our contributors!
Corporate Donors
ABC11/Disney
MetroNet
Healy Wholesale
Ray, O’Connor, Coleman & Halverson, PLLC
Coldwell Banker
Rude Awakening Coffee House
Cursive
Systel
Callahan and Rice
Turner Lane
Lumbee Guaranty Bank
H & H Holmes
Blue Ridge Power
Blashfield Signs
Truist
The Rogers Law Firm, PLLC
LaFayette Ford
MoPar Car Club
Media Partners
ABC11
Beasley Broadcasting
CityView Magazine
Thank you to our investors
CONTRIBUTORS TO THE MUNICIPAL SERVICE DISTRICT
This report was produced in partnership with CityView Magazine
Greater Fayettevillle Business Journal
WCCG 104.5
WIDU
Public Donors
City of Fayetteville and contributors to the Municipal Service District
Fayetteville Public Works Commission
Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County
Anonymous Private Foundation
Cumberland Community Foundation
Downtown Alliance
Latinos United for Progress
DistiNCtly Fayetteville
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Methodist University
Fayetteville State University