UNC Asheville Announces Committee to Guide Millennial Campus Planning

The 12-member advisory committee will provide recommendations for the proposed $200+ million project.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:23pm

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UNC Asheville has announced the members of its Millennial Campus Development Advisory Committee, a group tasked with making recommendations for the 45-acre urban forest property that is the site of a proposed $200+ million project including a 5,000-seat stadium, housing, and retail. The committee, which includes former Asheville mayor Lou Bissette, Explore Asheville CEO Vic Isley, and former NC State Representative Chuck McGrady, will meet monthly through May to provide input that will guide the development of the Millennial Campus Action Plan by consulting firm HR&A Advisors.

Why it matters

The Millennial Campus project has faced opposition from the 'Save the Woods' movement, which aims to protect the 45 acres of urban forest. The advisory committee's recommendations will be crucial in shaping the future of the property and balancing development plans with environmental concerns.

The details

Plans for the Millennial Campus project, which include a 5,000-seat stadium, housing, and retail, were paused in August 2025 to continue vetting the project and 'secure broader stakeholder input'. The 12-member advisory committee will meet in monthly closed sessions through May 2026, and then consulting firm HR&A Advisors will use the committee's recommendations to create the Millennial Campus Action Plan, which will be delivered to the University for review.

  • UNC Asheville announced the Millennial Campus Development Advisory Committee in January 2026.
  • The committee will meet monthly through May 2026.
  • HR&A Advisors will deliver the Millennial Campus Action Plan to the University after the committee's recommendations are complete.

The players

Peter Heckman

Former President and CEO, Horace Mann Educators Corporation; Vice Chair, UNC Asheville Board of Trustees.

Adam Walters

Assistant Director, Pappas Real Estate Development Program, NC State University; UNC Asheville Alumnus.

Lou Bissette

Of Counsel, McGuire Wood & Bissette P.A.; Former Mayor of Asheville; Former Chair of UNC's Board of Governors; Trustee, UNC Asheville.

Vic Isley

President & CEO, Explore Asheville / Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.

Chuck McGrady

Former North Carolina State Representative.

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