Fayetteville Presses Ahead With Elevator for Downtown Parking Garage Beside Segra Stadium

The City of Fayetteville is advancing plans to add an elevator to the downtown parking garage next to Segra Stadium, following years of delays and complaints about accessibility.

The five-story structure has never had an elevator. That has made reaching the upper levels difficult, and for some people impossible, if they have mobility issues. At a council meeting on Monday, the Fayetteville City Council voted to move ahead with the elevator project.

Resident Terry Mitchell, who has back problems, said the missing elevator has been more than a minor inconvenience. "I have back pain.. an elevator will be a plus," he said. Mitchell said he still visits Segra Stadium, particularly around the holidays. "We usually come around Christmas. When they had their light show here," he said.

Accessible parking near the stadium is also limited. Only six handicapped spaces sit in front of Segra Stadium, and four of them are across the street. Mitchell said he supports the upgrade. "I think it's great. We need an upgrade," he said.

The parking deck and its elevator were originally due to be finished by October 2024. In July, the city filed a lawsuit against the developers, accusing them of failing to complete the project. The elevator issue has fueled years of frustration and debate in the community.

Councilman Shawn McMillan said he had concerns on two fronts. "Concern on two sides. One that we are going this long as a city without having ADA accessibility. For the parking deck across the street. But the other concern is about how much money we've wasted as a city, and years of failed development," he said.

Mayor Mitch Colvin acknowledged the city's frustration and pointed to the developer. "The developer just never was able to get their development off the ground. And as you know, we've talked about that. But what that has caused was that the city did not deliver to the taxpayers a completed project waiting on a developer that was never able to do it. And now a new party has emerged."

Last year, the city voted to work with a new developer on finishing the planned hotel and high-rise apartment project downtown. Groundbreaking was set for June 2026, but work has not yet begun.

In the meantime, city officials are looking for a team to design and build the elevator. In a statement to Eyewitness News, the city said: "Whether people are heading to a Woodpeckers game, shopping downtown, or coming home to the Prince Charles, everyone should be able to get through the parking deck without a struggle. The elevator will make that possible for those who can't use the stairs."

Bids for the elevator project are open until November 24, 2026. Questions remain about the final cost and how the city will pay for the upgrade.