Board hears update on Crown Theater and Coliseum modernization; staff to return with pro‑forma and budget scenarios

County staff and the owner’s representative team updated the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on the Crown Theater and Coliseum modernization project at the June 11 agenda session.

The owner’s representative and design team described the project as entering a pre‑planning phase with a construction manager at risk in place and design consultants engaged. “We have approved our contract, there is a pre‑planning phase with the design team and you have a construction manager who is ready to move forward,” said Jenna Buer of Turner & Townsend. Project staff confirmed a 3‑D scan of the building has been completed and a BIM model will be turned over to the design team on July 7.

Commissioners focused discussion on three decision buckets identified by staff: the project vision and programming (how much emphasis to place on theater premium amenities versus arena uses); a clear baseline scope to meet code and functionality; and the budget available for enhancements. Christina Grimes, the project’s lead manager, said the 3‑D scan and subsequent facility condition assessments are necessary to avoid expensive surprises: “Those can become very expensive surprises if we don't kind of beat the bushes and get that information out.” She said many specialty consultants (acoustics, MEP, AV) need the BIM model to complete detailed assessments, with initial facility condition assessment reports expected by the end of July and more complete pricing likely by September.

Several commissioners urged a data‑driven decision before committing to enhancements. The board directed staff to work with Oakview Group (the operator) and the project team to develop a pro‑forma that shows revenue and operations impacts for alternative scenarios—e.g., prioritizing theater amenities that drive premium ticket and ancillary revenues versus prioritizing arena improvements to retain tenants such as the basketball team. Commissioners also asked staff to separate deferred maintenance (repair/renewal) costs from modernization enhancements so the board can weigh baseline code work against value‑add improvements.

Next steps: staff will deliver a pro‑forma and budget scenarios and a written list of decision points for the board to consider. Staff indicated preliminary information could be available in August and robust pricing and options by September. The board did not take a formal vote on the project at the June 11 session.

Impact and context: The modernization is framed as both code compliance and economic development. Commissioners emphasized locating revenue sources and creating a program mix that preserves community access while improving financial sustainability for the facility.