TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Dr. Douglas Hewett, ICMA-CA, City Manager
FROM: Dr. Andrew Mansell, Senior Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: June 22, 2026
RE:Title
Feasibility Study for Downtown Convention Center
Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All Districts
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
GOAL 2: Enhance Economic Growth and Opportunity.
GOAL 3: Desirable Place to Work, Live, and Recreate.
Executive Summary:
This Agenda Item request was for a 'Feasibility of Downtown Convention Space and comparison to top 10 largest cities in NC'. The attached briefing book contains previously produced data, the ten-city comparison, and a cost estimate from CSL International, the firm that produced the 2021 county study. In a May 2026 conversation, CSL stated they could deliver the feasibility study for approximately $100,000 in three to four months and could continue into pre-design (blueprints and architecture) for approximately $500,000 if Council so directs. This memorandum is presented for Council discussion and direction.
Background:
On May 4, 2026, Mayor Colvin submitted an Agenda Item Request titled "Feasibility Study for Downtown Convention Center." The item was placed before Council for information purposes and did not authorize a specific procurement action.
In June 2025, Cumberland County cancelled the $145 million Crown Event Center project after approximately $36 million had been spent. The County has subsequently solicited public input on future use of the former site (the Old Courthouse parcel) and has stated in October 2025 procurement documents that the 2021 CSL study remains the foundational analysis underlying any future planning.
To respond to the Mayor's request, staff researched the information and attached a briefing book, and held a meeting with CSL International to obtain a cost estimate, scope description, and timeline.
Issues/Analysis:
Comparison to the ten largest NC cities. F...
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