Menno Pennink: Visionary Who Revitalized Downtown Fayetteville

Dr. Menno Pennink, a retired neurosurgeon who spearheaded the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina, died peacefully surrounded by family on March 14, 2026, at the age of 90.

Pennink’s vision transformed a struggling downtown core, marked by vacant buildings and declining businesses in the 1990s, into a residential and commercial hub. He is best known for his pivotal role in rescuing and renovating the historic Prince Charles Hotel, a landmark that was facing bankruptcy.

“He always saw downtown the way I saw downtown, not as it was but as it could be,” said John Malzone, a longtime downtown property owner. “And he worked and invested heavily in the downtown area. He bought up a lot of properties to create sure that they were kept, and they were maintained properly so that future generations could see them.”

In 1992, Pennink recruited 17 businessmen to form Prince Charles Management Corp., eventually growing to 34 investors, to acquire the Prince Charles Hotel. He secured the hotel at auction for $940,000 after initially offering $1.5 million to Southern National Bank, which held the deed. The hotel was later successfully franchised as a Radisson.

“He set his money where his mouth is,” Malzone added, emphasizing Pennink’s commitment to his vision.

Pennink’s efforts extended beyond the Prince Charles Hotel. He envisioned a vibrant downtown reminiscent of its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, when Hay Street was a bustling center for shopping and entertainment. He saw potential in abandoned structures like the Lafayette Hotel and sought to restore them to their former glory.

Hank Parfitt, a retired urologist and co-owner of City Center Gallery & Books, described Pennink as one of the first to recognize the potential value of the historic buildings and the benefits of a thriving downtown for the entire community. “He truly laid the foundation upon which many of us have been building ever since,” Parfitt said.

Elaine Kelley, owner of Turner Lane, recalled Pennink’s encouragement when she opened her shop in 2009. “He listened to my idea and encouraged me to try. He said, ‘It sounds like it means a lot to you. Give it a chance. You won’t know unless you try.’” Kelley emphasized that Pennink’s investments extended to supporting small businesses like hers.

Ralph Huff, who partnered with Pennink in the construction of condominiums and offices at 300 Hay Street, described him as a “true Renaissance man” with diverse interests, including music and the arts. Huff noted Pennink’s continued intellectual curiosity, citing his study of Chinese at age 89.

Pennink’s impact on Fayetteville extended to healthcare. As a neurosurgeon and radiologist at Cape Fear Medical Center in the 1970s, he was instrumental in bringing the first CT and MRI imaging technology to hospitals in Cumberland and Moore counties. He also co-founded Fayetteville Neurodiagnostic Inc. And Carolina Imaging, and was one of the founders of the CARE Clinic, expanding access to medical care for underserved populations.

Bob Pinson, the retiring president and chief executive officer of the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County, highlighted Pennink’s consistent support for the arts. “He didn’t just believe that [the arts] bring people together, sparks a little joy and gives folks something to be proud of. He showed up for it time and time again.”

Born in Djakarta, Indonesia, Pennink overcame hardships in his youth and pursued a career in medicine, bringing his skills and dedication to Fayetteville. City Manager Douglas Hewett acknowledged Pennink’s lasting legacy, stating, “His vision helped shape downtown, but his impact reaches far beyond that.”

A celebration of life is scheduled for 4 p.m. On May 6 at Cape Fear Botanical Garden.