Wednesday, September 19, 2001
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Wednesday, September 19, 2001 |
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Courthouse square may get boost from high-end restaurant By MONROE ROARK and By DAVE HAMRICK A high-end restaurant anchoring a master-planned revitalization of the west side of the Courthouse Square in Fayetteville could result from recent property acquisitions. Developer Mike Faulkner said he is talking with "a well-known chef" and is having architectural plans drawn for a restaurant in the former Travis Hardware location on the west side of the Square and directly across from the County Administrative Complex. "I'm hopeful we're going to make this happen," Faulkner said of the restaurant plan, but he added, "We're not at the commitment point yet." More parking, improved facades and better access to businesses also are part of the continuing efforts to improve the city's downtown region. The city has purchased the parking lot behind the shops on that side of the Square with plans to improve and enlarge it. A large metal building that formerly housed a hobby shop is now being torn down, according to Fayetteville Main Street manager Nancy Price. Work on the interior of the building is in progress and a demolition permit for the site has already been obtained. Plans for the parking lot may include a small park as well, she said. The lot will extend to the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House near the northwest corner of the square. Structural work on the house is expected to be completed by the end of the month, at which time work will begin on the interior of the house. City officials are in the process of putting together a master plan for the downtown area, Price said, with this specific location to get first priority because of the developments there. Officials are hoping for matching grants to help fund the project.
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