UNC approves design firms to lead Carolina North planning, largest expansion in school history

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The UNC Board of Trustees has approved four firms to lead the master planning and infrastructure design for "Carolina North," a major expansion project expected to be the largest in UNC-Chapel Hill history.

The board voted Wednesday morning to move forward with the selected firms, led by Ayers Saint Gross, which has served as UNC-Chapel Hill's lead planner and architectural advisor for nearly 30 years.

The firms will help develop a master plan for the 230-acre mixed-use site located on the former Horace Williams Airport property, about a mile and a half from the main campus.

Board members said the top-ranked firm stood out for its extensive experience in campus planning and mixed-use development. Officials noted the selection of Ayers Saint Gross was nearly unanimous, with 10 of 11 evaluators ranking the firm first.

"The committee approved selection of the top-ranked firm ... with approval of the remaining three firms in priority order," one official said during the meeting.

Leaders also highlighted the team's experience working in higher education and institutional environments, as well as its familiarity with regional projects and the UNC system.

While planning is moving forward, it remains unclear how future decisions surrounding the Dean E. Smith Center could factor into the broader Carolina North development.

The project has already received significant financial backing, with the board approving an $8 million advanced planning budget earlier this year.

UNC leaders say the next phase will focus on developing a detailed plan for the site as the project gains momentum.

ABC11's Cindy Bae contributed to this report.