Historic Renovation in Fayetteville Hits a Snag

The group behind the Fayetteville Community Center and Performance Theater hit an obstacle in their effort to revitalize the old E.J. Knesek building on the square in Fayetteville.

Jerry Herring, president of the Center’s board of directors, told the Record last week that engineers and architects have determined the building needs a new foundation. The 1875 building is actually two structures that were joined together. The board contacted several contractors about lifting the building and installing a new foundation. But no one could guarantee the building wouldn’t collapse in the process.

So the board came up with a different plan. Herring said the Center now wishes to disassemble the building, saving as much material as possible, and rebuild it using the old wood with a new foundation. But first they need permission from the City.

“Our goal is, in two or three years, when you drive by the building, it will look like we just repainted it,” Herring said.

Fayetteville’s historic preservation ordinances requires approval from the City’s historic preservation board, and ultimately the City Council, before anyone may demolish a building in the downtown historic district. The Center presented their plans to the historic preservation board last month, and the board voted 3-2 to recommend against demolishing the building. The decision now goes to the City Council.

The Council will meet on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. to consider the request. Anyone interested in the project can sign up to speak at the meeting.