Bond-Funded Construction at UNC Asheville

In 2000, North Carolina voters approved a $3.1 billion Higher Education Bond Referendum, securing funds for capital construction projects on the 16 campuses of The University of North Carolina, the 59 community colleges and UNC-TV. UNC Asheville received $49.9 million to fund five capital projects, including Highsmith University Union. The remaining four projects are: 

Carmichael Hall: This $5.5 million, bond-funded project was originally conceived as extensive renovations to Carmichael Hall, a classroom building constructed in 1966. Campus planners determined it would be more cost effective to build a new building rather than renovate, and the change in the project was approved by the North Carolina Legislature in 2003 . The project is under construction and scheduled for completion in fall 2006. The building will be sited adjacent to Belk Theatre, and Owen and Zageir halls. Carmichael Hall houses the departments of foreign languages, history, philosophy, classics and humanities. 

Science and Multimedia Building: The largest of UNC Asheville's bond-funded projects, this $22.2 million facility will house the departments of chemistry, biology and multimedia arts and sciences. Building highlights include environmentally sustainable construction and energy-efficient laboratories. UNC Asheville is one of 13 institutions in the nation to partner with the EPA-sponsored Labs for the 21st Century Pilot Program. Project design is complete and construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2005, with a projected completion date of fall 2007. 

Physical Plant Buildings: This $6.3 million, bond-funded project replaces the outdated physical plant building constructed in 1963 and now occupying key space in the heart of the student housing area. The new buildings will be located at the edge of campus away from the academic and housing cores. Design is complete and construction is scheduled to begin in early spring 2005, with projected completion in late fall 2006. 

Zageir Hall Renovation: This $2.5 million bond-funded project will provide interior renovation to Zageir Hall, a classroom building for the departments of sociology, psychology, political science and education. Construction will begin after the completion of the new Carmichael Hall; the former Carmichael Hall will serve as a temporary home for Zageir classes and offices. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2007.