ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — UNC Asheville is moving forward with development plans for its Millennial Campus properties, part of a long-term effort to enhance student life and drive economic growth across Western North Carolina.
In June 2025, the university announced a proposed two-phase development project on its South Campus and adjacent Broadway property. The plans, which follow a 2021 designation of the land as Millennial Campus property by the UNC System Board of Governors, are expected to generate more than $250 million in investment, create hundreds of jobs and bring in significant new tax revenue, UNCA officials said in a statement.
The South Campus project, bordered by Broadway Street and W.T. Weaver Boulevard, will serve as the anchor for the first phase. A multi-purpose stadium, developed in collaboration with Asheville City Soccer Club, is set to host men’s and women’s USL soccer teams, as well as UNCA’s Division I soccer programs. The venue will also support a variety of community events.
Phase one also includes mixed-use housing for students, faculty, staff and local residents, a child care center and other amenities aimed at addressing housing shortages and critical community needs.
The university said sustainability remains a guiding principle, with plans for green spaces integrated into the development. Existing efforts to balance environmental and financial sustainability include projects like the Lookout Observatory, a permaculture garden, a long-term partnership with the Botanical Gardens at Asheville and land contributions for the Reed Creek and Glenn’s Creek greenways.
The second phase of the project will focus on the Broadway Property, located near Zillicoa Street and the Reed Creek Greenway. Specific development details for that site are still being finalized.
Asheville City Soccer Club officials said its teams have enjoyed a long-standing positive relationship with UNCA.
“We are thrilled to expand this relationship with the proposed multi-purpose stadium on the South Campus,” the club said in a statement. “Developing a permanent home for our men’s and women’s teams that will allow us to reach our full potential has been a priority since our inception.
“We’re excited that this proposal would both achieve that goal and contribute to the long-term growth and success of UNC Asheville.”
