Ayers Saint Gross, UNC's lead planner and architectural advisor for nearly 30 years, will head the effort. The firms will develop a master plan for the 230-acre mixed-use site on the former Horace Williams Airport property, about 1.5 miles from campus.
Trustees said the firm stood out for its experience, with 10 of 11 evaluators ranking it first. Officials said the "team showed extensive and meaningful experience in campus and institutional environments, along with mixed-use development. Additionally, teams demonstrated strong local or regional experience, including knowledge of the UNC system."
ABC11 has reached out to the company for comment.
Planning is underway, though it's unclear how decisions about the Dean E. Smith Center will factor into the project. The board previously approved an $8 million advanced planning budget; total costs are unknown.
Groundbreaking could begin as early as 2027.
Student body president Devin Duncan said housing is a priority.
"I think the first priority that's come out is that housing piece," Duncan said, adding there's an estimate to add more than 2,000 beds. "I think that's incredibly important."
Officials also cited improved campus connections as a key focus.
The future of the Dean Dome-renovation, rebuilding or relocation-remains undecided. Duncan said student needs must drive the decision.
"Your team can't be a team if the students aren't showing up. So you've got to get it right," Duncan said. "Students want to sit closer to the core. Students want more engagement opportunities ... students like the accessibility of the arena. I think that those details need to be ironed out."
An advisory committee will review plans later this summer as UNC begins the next phase of development.