State of the District 2024

STATE OF THE DISTRICT 2024: Art Is Fueling Our Future An annual snapshot of the Cool Spring Downtown District, Fayetteville’s Arts and Entertainment District.

WHO WE ARE BOARD Josh Choi

Chris Cauley

LeJuane (LJ) Bowens

CHAIR

CITY

AT-LARGE

Winterbloom

Molly Arnold

City of Fayetteville

Poetry N’ Motion LLC

Caroline Gregory Benavente

Devin Heath

AT-LARGE

EX-OFFICIO

Rude Awakening Coffee House and Cursive

Rand and Gregory

Michael Pennink

Ebony Warfield-Graham

EX-OFFICIO

Property owner, resident

Park Fayetteville

Anna Hodges-Smith

Kennon Jackson

VICE CHAIR

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

AT-LARGE

DistiNCtly Fayetteville

Nat Robertson

Greater Fayetteville Chamber EX-OFFICIO

Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County AT-LARGE

David Woodhouse

Hay Street United Methodist AT-LARGE

Gerard Falls

Nathan Cuffee

The Capitol Encore Academy

Blue Moon Café

AT-LARGE

AT-LARGE

Kristin Seeland

Katrina Rubiera

W.S. Wellons Realty

Rubiera Studios

AT-LARGE

AT-LARGE

Isaac Halverson

Resident and Ray, O’Connor, Coleman & Halverson, PLLC AT-LARGE

The Ellington-White Community Development Corporation AT-LARGE

STAFF 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

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

EVENT ATTENDANCE

2024

150,000 event participants 32 events ACTIVATIONS

2023 108K 38 events

e/motion (Seesaws) Esqueltos Creativos (Skeleton Project) Holiday Alley 2021 57K

New Holiday Décor (Reindeer, 6 ft star)

2019 32.1K

4.1 million visits

41 events

2018 21.3K 2017 2.1K 4 events

47 events

52 events

Love where you live board

29 events

2022 77K

2020 28K 34 events

to the Cool Spring Municipal Service District

staying an average 127 min

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 Type of Canister

Vertipak (8 yards)

Estimated Waste Weekly Pickups

Cardboard (8 yards) (x 2 units)

Dumpster (8 yards)

80 lbs/yd

75 lbs/yd

1600 lbs

3x weekly

2x weekly

3x weekly

100,000 lbs

125,000 lbs

250,000 lbs

Estimated Impact of waste removed

475,000 lbs FY 23-24 (June-July)

M

Daily litter street sweeps

90 Hurley pots and Street Poles have been repainted

Increased plant watering with a mobile

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

IMPROVING OUR SURROUNDINGS

Weekly dumpster maintenance

watering device and 200 gallon drum

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

AMPLIFY

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.

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.

Economic Development

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.

Placemaking & Activation

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

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

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE MUNICIPAL SERVICE DISTRICT This report was produced in partnership with CityView Magazine

Latinos United for Progress DistiNCtly Fayetteville Fayetteville Technical Community College Methodist University Fayetteville State University