Fayetteville approves nearly $650,000 in upgrades around historic Market House

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — Major changes are coming to one of Fayetteville’s most debated and historic landmarks.

Read more ‘Balancing act’: Durham County could raise tax rate as budget proposal targets schools

On Monday night, the Fayetteville City Council approved more than $648,000 in upgrades surrounding the Fayetteville Market House as part of the city’s ongoing effort to repurpose and improve the nearly 200-year-old structure in downtown Fayetteville.

The contract was for the Market Square Pedestrian Improvements project, which city leaders say is focused on improving safety, accessibility, and pedestrian access around the traffic circle surrounding the historic building.

The project includes improvements to crosswalks, pedestrian islands, signage, striping and the brick platform surrounding the Market House, while also maintaining traffic flow through the busy roundabout. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

“We are currently in another phase of the Market House and that’s the pedestrian improvement side,” Fayetteville communications manager David Scott said. “We wanted to make sure the Market House is available and accessible for people to walk under the Market House.”

Some accessibility concerns around the landmark remain noticeable. One crosswalk leading toward the Market House is wheelchair accessible, but steps on the opposite side still limit full access to parts of the structure.

Read more Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47 of brain tumor

The new improvements follow a separate restoration project completed last year on the historic building’s steeple and exterior.

Fayetteville hired contractors from American Woodworkery to repair deteriorating wood, windows, louvers, columns, and trim on the steeple, which cost more than $260,000 and was funded through the North Carolina Capital and Infrastructure Fund.

The Market House has long stood as one of Fayetteville’s most recognizable landmarks, but also one of its most controversial. Built in 1832, the structure once served as a marketplace where enslaved people were sold. It also operated as Fayetteville’s first courthouse and market and is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

The building was heavily damaged during civil unrest in 2020 when a fire was set inside the lower level. Since then, city leaders have moved toward repurposing the structure, though long-term plans for the building are still being discussed.

Future plans include adding kiosks and educational displays that tell the full history of the Market House and its role in Fayetteville’s past.

Read more Amid spying controversy, Southampton reaches playoff final and is one win from Premier League return