Reimagining the Market House: A Step Toward Renewal

Zairis TéJion Miles, Sr.
Sep 24
2 min read

If you’ve walked through downtown Fayetteville, then you know the Market House has always been the conversation piece. It’s historic, it’s controversial and now, it’s on its way to a full-on repurpose that’s about to make it more inviting, walkable, and community-friendly than ever before. Are you here for it?

FAYNC MAG made it a point to be at this meeting Hosted by the Downtown Alliance and City of Fayetteville, to relay the information to the community straight to the point and keeping it real. So all things we heard in the meeting is below, check it out y'all!

So What’s Happening Now!?

Right now, crews are pulling up and putting in some much-needed TLC to The Market House. The clock’s inner workings are being redone (yes, it’ll finally going to keep time again and will actually work), and the lighting package is getting refreshed for a better all around nighttime vibe.

Safer, Sleeker, More Accessible!?

Well check this out yall! Big changes are coming to the circle around the Market House and the changes are pedestrian centric:

Freshly resurfaced roads for smoother flow.
Clear signage + ramps to make downtown easier to navigate.
An expanded center island for better pedestrian safety.
Two new splitter islands + crosswalks (aka safer street crossings).
A 30,000+ sq ft plaza extension, turning the heart of downtown into a bigger gathering spot.
ADA-friendly ramp access from Hay Street so everyone can visit the space.

The removal of The BLACK LIVES MATTERS mural!?

Yes! You read this correctly! The proposed plan shares in order to expand the Market House that the BLACK LIVES DO MATTER mural will be covered up for pavement/brick expansion. What are your thoughts on this? Is this a good or bad move? Should there be another BLACK LIVES DO MATTER mural in FAYNC!? The mural project was led by Fayetteville native and creative Collyn Strother in 2020.

The Info Kiosk: Past Meets Present!?

Another addition? Yes, ANOTHER ONE FAYNC Fam! Two interactive kiosks (Meridian Pulse kiosk). The plan is for the kiosks to share stories and highlight history. Right now, there’s still a BIG, I mean BIG question mark on who will be providing and getting the info and what type of info will be on the kiosk. Hmm, interesting, VERY! The city leaders know this piece has to be handled with care and honesty. This is a major part of the Market House that should be handled VERY carefully and with the correct and all past information to bring knowledge and awareness of the true real stories behind the Market House and Fayetteville.

Timeline to Watch

December 2025: Design approvals.
Spring 2025: Construction begins (yep, things move quick once it’s greenlit).
Fall 2026: Completion

Why Does It Matter!?

This isn’t just a renewal, it’s about redefining what the Market House means for Fayetteville and the way forward. It’s about creating a space that shows the past while being built for today’s community, safe, walkable, inclusive, and ready for the future.

For more information and to stay informed on the project reach out to the Downtown Alliance and the City of Fayetteville.