Campus Improvement Projects

Funding Source

Funding includes appropriations from the North Carolina General Assembly; authorization and additional funding from the UNC System Board of Governors; an Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) Flex Fund award; and University trust funds, including donations, gifts, and grants.

Benefits

• Modernizes Lipinsky Hall through comprehensive building upgrades to ensure that it continues to be a beacon of creativity, learning, and community
• The revitalized Lipinsky Hall will feature:
  • A state-of-the-art performance hall for concerts, lectures, and events
  • Modern music technology labs and collaborative classrooms
  • Acoustically optimized rehearsal spaces and private practice rooms
  • Welcoming new student spaces and upgraded faculty offices
  • Critical updates to heating, cooling, lighting, and building systems

Campus Impacts

• Tree and shrub removal will take place.
• Protective fencing will be installed on the Quad for the duration of the project.
• Pedestrian walkways on the Quad will be impacted. Click here for current Quad pedestrian and accessible walkways.

Contracting process is underway. (Updated June 15, 2026)

Benefits

• Improved accessibility for students, faculty, staff, and visitors
• Enhanced building access
• Expanded outdoor seating area
• Enhanced outdoor space for University events
• Supports the University’s commitment to an inclusive campus environment

Campus Impacts

• Trees and miscellaneous shrubs will be removed in front of Ramsey Library and between Ramsey Library and Lipinsky Hall. Tree and shrub replantings are planned.
• Construction activity will affect access and pedestrian routes in the area.
• The accessible entrance to the library at the rear of the building, which can be found via Library Lane, will remain open during the project.
• Pedestrian walkways on the Quad will be impacted. Click here for current Quad pedestrian and accessible walkways.

Tree removal is complete and construction is underway. Beginning July 6, 2026, access to the front entrance of Ramsey Library will change. The front stairs will be closed for removal and replacement. Visitors should use the new ramp located on the right-hand side of the building when approaching from the Quad. The library’s accessible entrance will continue to be located at the loading dock entrance off Library Lane. (Updated July 2, 2026)

Funding Source

Initial funding was appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2023. Additional funding was allocated by the UNC System Board of Governors in 2026 through state capital improvement and repair and renovation allocations.

Benefits

• More visible campus entrances
• Improved wayfinding
• Enhanced campus identity

Campus Impacts

• Selective tree and shrub removal at the southeast corner of W.T. Weaver Boulevard and Broadway will take place.
• Selective tree and shrub removal at the southwest corner of W.T. Weaver Boulevard and Merrimon Avenue will take place.
• New tree and shrub plantings will be incorporated into the completed project.
• Installation of updated monument signage at the W.T. Weaver Boulevard roundabout.

Contracting process is underway. (Updated June 15, 2026)

Funding Source

• Asheville-Buncombe Tourism Product Development Fund
• Private donor support
• Grants
• Corporate partners

Benefits

• Provides a dedicated on-campus home for UNC Asheville’s men’s and women’s tennis programs
• Enhances the student-athlete experience
• Creates opportunities for hosting tennis events and competitions
• Expands opportunities for community engagement through access to tennis facilities
• Supports the long-term growth of UNC Asheville Athletics

Campus Impacts

• The new courts will be constructed on parking lot P1, which is now permanently closed.
• Construction activity will occur near Broadway and Campus Drive throughout the project.

Parking lot P1 is closed. Construction is underway. (Updated July 6, 2026)

Benefits

• Reduces minor flooding around Robinson Hall and in the Robinson Hall lobby during heavy rain events
• Improves stormwater management and site drainage
• Enhances pedestrian safety and accessibility by repairing cracked and damaged sidewalks

Campus Impacts

• Protective fencing will be installed on the Quad for the duration of the project.
• Tree protection fencing will be installed on the Quad.
• The sidewalk in front of Robinson Hall will be closed during construction.
• The main entrance to Robinson Hall will be closed after construction begins.
• The exterior door to the Robinson Hall stairs near the main entrance will be closed but may still be used in an emergency.
• Pedestrian walkways on the Quad will be impacted. Click here for current Quad pedestrian and accessible walkways.

Protective fencing is installed, sidewalk is closed, and construction is underway. (Updated June 15, 2026)

Benefits

• Supports campus infrastructure improvements

Campus Impacts

• Fencing will be installed on the Quad.
• The pedestrian path from Karpen Hall to Library Lane will be closed during construction.
• Five trees will be removed to accommodate the new waterline.

Protective fencing is installed and waterline replacement is underway. (Updated July 2, 2026)

Benefits

• Preserves and restores an important campus building
• Provides improved office and workspace accommodations for Music Department faculty during the Lipinsky Hall renovation

Campus Impacts

• The Scott Hall exit toward Dykeman Hall and the connecting walkway will be blocked for pedestrian safety during construction.
• Emergency exits will remain available.
• Pedestrians should use caution near active construction areas.

Construction is complete and the building will be occupied within the next two weeks. (Updated July 6, 2026)

Benefits

• Improves stormwater drainage around Zageir Hall
• Supports the long-term reliability and performance of the campus stormwater system
• Reduces maintenance needs through replacement of aging infrastructure
• Improves drainage by cleaning the existing storm system

Campus Impacts

• Tree and shrub removal will occur around the building.
• Construction activity will occur in the area surrounding Zageir Hall.
• Storm system cleaning is scheduled to begin next week.

Sidewalks in the affected areas have been removed and the new drainage system is being installed. (Updated June 29, 2026)

Benefits

• Improves the reliability of the elevator systems in both buildings
• Supports accessibility
• Addresses maintenance needs to improve elevators’ reliability

Campus Impacts

• Elevator service in Karpen Hall and Robinson Hall will be unavailable during repairs.
• Pedestrian walkways on the Quad will be impacted. Click here for current Quad pedestrian and accessible walkways.

Elevator service is unavailable in Robinson Hall. The Karpen Hall elevator is out of service due to a control system failure. Because replacement parts are no longer available, the system will be fully replaced. Work is expected to take several months, and the university is coordinating plans to ensure equitable access during the project. (Updated July 2, 2026)

Benefits

• Enhances the appearance of the area surrounding Phillips Hall
• Improves the campus landscape and outdoor environment

Campus Impacts

• A portion of Parking Lot P18 adjacent to Phillips Hall will be closed intermittently during the project.
• Sidewalks on the south side of the building will be closed during the project.
• Pedestrian walkways on the Quad will be impacted. Click here for current Quad pedestrian walkways.

A portion of Parking Lot P18 and sidewalks on the south side of the building are closed. The sidewalk and parking lot will reopen the week of July 13, 2026. (Updated July 6, 2026)