Market House Repurposing Project

Problem/Rationale:
The Market House—long a prominent symbol in Fayetteville—became a focal point for community pain following nationwide protests in 2020 and renewed conversations on racial justice. The city needed a way to acknowledge the building’s full and accurate history, engage residents across lines of difference, and determine a future use for the site that reflected community values, promoted healing, and honored its cultural significance.

Program Summary:
Fayetteville initiated a comprehensive, community-centered process to reimagine the Market House. City leadership convened a diverse working group of civic leaders, educators, military representatives, arts and cultural leaders, and community organizations to identify and prioritize repurposing options. The group proposed five potential directions, ranging from structural modifications and historically grounded art exhibits to culturally inclusive commerce and themed educational events.

To ensure broad and equitable input, the city partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice to use the City SPIRIT model and hosted multiple community conversations in 2021 and 2022. More than 600 residents participated across in-person forums, affinity-group meetings, and virtual engagement, offering perspectives across racial, generational, and professional backgrounds. Recommendations were compiled in a DOJ report and supplemented with additional community feedback.

Ultimately, the city developed a repurposing plan that preserves the structure while transforming it into a space for education, cultural expression, accurate historical interpretation, and inclusive community gathering.

Community Engagement Methods

• Diverse working group including representatives from higher education, the arts, military, civic organizations, and city commissions
• City SPIRIT engagement model facilitated by the U.S. Department of Justice
• Large-scale community forums held in 2021 and 2022
• Affinity group meetings with civic organizations and community stakeholders
• Online survey to expand access and participation
• Follow-up in-person feedback sessions requested by City Council
• Transparent reporting of recommendations to City Council and the public

Outcomes / Impact

• More than 600 residents participated through multiple engagement formats
• Community input produced a shared vision for repurposing the Market House
• The final plan prioritizes historical accuracy, cultural relevance, safety, accessibility, and educational value
• The process strengthened trust by demonstrating that the city would listen, convene, and act on community concerns
• Fayetteville modeled how communities can confront painful histories and create a future rooted in inclusivity, education, and unity

Resources

• Fayetteville’s AAC Presentation