City Center Gallery & Books, located at 112 Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville, is about to embark on an exciting new venture. The bookstore, which predominantly sells used books, is expanding its store by buying the building next door. This expansion will allow the shop to offer even more to its customers and the community.
With the acquisition of the building next door, 110 Hay Street, owners of City Center Gallery & Books, Hank and Diane Parfitt, have big plans for the future. With this addition, the current shop will go from 1,200 square feet to 2.200 square feet. They envision creating a space that not only showcases the best in literature and art, but continues to serve as a hub for creativity, culture and community engagement.
In November 2021, the Parfitts purchased the neighboring building, which had been neglected and vacant for over 30 years. They bought it not only to expand their shop but also to save it from demolition. If the city had to step in to demolish the building it would have meant long-term structural problems for the current bookstore and a disruption of the street-scape.
Built in 1886, this building originally housed Eggleston’s jewelry store. Over the years, it has remained a jewelry store, most recently known as Henebry’s.
Phase one of the project, which was completed in 2022, consisted of the removal of the metal facade and the demolition of the interior. The Parfitts were thrilled to see a well-preserved architectural brick detailing revealed once the metal facade was removed. There was also the discovery of a large metal safe on wheels that was most likely used to store jewelry and gems back in the day. It was safely removed from the space and donated.
Phase two, where the project currently is, will involve a new roof and the restoration of the facade. They will also remove the brick from the second-floor windows and start to work on the exterior of the building. The original tin tile ceiling, which is mostly in good shape, will be restored and kept in the space. There are also several skylights that will be preserved. The plan is to bring back the original look of the exterior as it was in 1886.
Maintaining architectural design and aesthetic continuity is a key consideration in the expansion of City Center Gallery & Books. The bookstore and gallery has a unique charm and character the Parfitts want to preserve as they expand into the new building next door.
The architectural design of the expansion will be carefully planned to seamlessly blend with the existing structure. The goal is to create a cohesive space that feels like a natural extension of the current store.
Customers will be able to move between the two buildings by a shared opening linking the spaces. The new space will be an open floor plan with books, bookcases and art along the walls giving the current store more space for added inventory. The middle of the space will remain open for meetings and events. From the exterior facade to the interior layout, great care will be taken to ensure that the new space complements the existing one and enhances the overall experience for visitors.
The expansion presents an exciting opportunity for the bookstore and gallery to further enhance their impact in the local community. The Pariftts are planning to use the new larger space for book signings with authors, artist receptions, classes and workshops as well as a place for local book clubs or writing clubs to meet.
They plan to collaborate with local artists, authors, and organizations to create a vibrant cultural hub that brings people together and celebrates the arts. The bookstore and gallery aim to be a place where people can not only discover great books and art but also engage with the creative community and participate in enriching cultural experiences.
25 Years Downtown
City Center Gallery & Books is also celebrating a major milestone - 25 years of promoting art and literature in Downtown Fayetteville. Over the past two and a half decades, this beloved establishment has been a hub for creative expression and intellectual exploration. From showcasing local artists to hosting book signings and author events, City Center Gallery & Books has played a vital role in fostering a vibrant cultural scene in the heart of the city.
The original shop, named City Center Gallery, was opened in 1999 on Maxwell Street and was just an art gallery. The current location and business name was opened in 2003.
The gallery has featured a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, from traditional paintings to contemporary pieces. The bookstore has offered a wide selection of literary works, catering to the varied interests and tastes of its patrons.
Through its curated collections, City Center Gallery & Books has provided a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and connect with art enthusiasts. It has also been a venue for thought-provoking discussions and gatherings, encouraging dialogue and intellectual growth.
In the realm of literature, City Center Gallery & Books has been a haven for book lovers and avid readers. With its carefully curated collection of books across genres, the bookstore has been a place where literary enthusiasts can discover new authors, engage in literary discussions, and find solace in the written word. It has also been a supportive space for local authors, providing them with opportunities to showcase their work and connect with their readers.
In an era where books are increasingly becoming digital and e-readers are gaining popularity, City Center Gallery & Books has successfully navigated the challenges and remained open in the face of these changes. While the digital age has undoubtedly transformed the way we consume literature, City Center Gallery & Books has found a way to thrive, preserving the essence of a traditional bookstore. In doing so, it continues to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers, ensuring that the love for literature and the joy of reading remain alive and well in Downtown Fayetteville.
“There are still a large number of people who want to experience a real book,” says Hank Parfitt. He believes the difference is that a digital screen lets the reader be a spectator, but a real book lets the reader be a participant.
One of the key factors that has contributed to the gallery's continued success is its commitment to providing a unique and immersive experience for book lovers. The physical space of the bookstore offers a sense of nostalgia and warmth that cannot be replicated by digital platforms. The shelves lined with books, the sound of pages turning, and the opportunity to browse and discover hidden literary gems create a sensory experience that many readers still crave. City Center Gallery & Books also has many out-of-print, rare and hard-to-find books that are not available in digital form.
Over the past 25 years, Downtown Fayetteville has undergone significant changes, and City Center Gallery & Books has been a witness to this transformation. As the city has evolved and grown, so has the cultural scene and artistic landscape of Downtown Fayetteville.
One notable change has been the revitalization of the downtown area, with new businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues opening their doors. This has brought a renewed sense of vibrancy and energy to the neighborhood, attracting more visitors and residents.
The Parfitts have also noticed a change in the demographics of the downtown area. With additions of events like 4th Friday, there has been a younger crowd. Outdoor dining options, they feel, has been another great addition to downtown Fayetteville.
City Center Gallery & Books has been at the heart of this transformation, serving as a cultural anchor and contributing to the overall appeal of Downtown Fayetteville. Many visitors to the area, when commenting on Downtown, have mentioned they love the local bookstore.
Another significant change has been the increased focus on community engagement and public art. Downtown Fayetteville has seen the emergence of public art installations, murals, and sculptures, creating a more visually appealing and dynamic environment. The Parfitts have actively participated in promoting Downtown events that celebrate public art and engage the community in artistic endeavors.
Furthermore, the downtown area has become a hub for local festivals and events, drawing people from all over to experience the unique charm and creativity of Downtown Fayetteville. City Center Gallery & Books has been an active participant in these celebrations, hosting book signings, art demonstrations, and cultural performances. It has played a vital role in promoting the city as a cultural destination and showcasing the talents of local artists and authors.
As Downtown Fayetteville continues to evolve, City Center Gallery & Books remains a constant presence, adapting to the changing landscape while preserving its commitment to fostering community and culture. It stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Downtown Fayetteville, a place where art, literature and community converge.

(Top Photo: The original store front for Eggleston's Jeweler, the original tenant of the building.  Bottom Photo: Brick repair has begun on the building next to City Center Gallery and Books in preparation for the expansion. Photos courtesy of Hank Parfitt)