UNC Asheville to Seek Alternate Site for Downtown Presence

UNC Asheville Chancellor James Mullen and the UNCA Foundation Executive Committee have decided to seek a different location than the former J.C. Penney's building for the University's downtown presence.

"The University of North Carolina at Asheville and the UNCA Foundation Board are fully committed to securing a site for the arts and humanities programs in downtown Asheville and will work over the next year to identify a suitable location," Chancellor Mullen said.

Last fall, the UNCA Foundation entered into an agreement with an anonymous donor, who placed the former J.C. Penney building under contract and agreed to hold the building for possible purchase by the Foundation. But escalating renovation estimates and projected maintenance costs, the slowing state and national economies and pressures created by the State of North Carolina's fiscal duress led to the decision to relinquish the option on the building, Chancellor Mullen said.

"I have a deep belief in and a strong commitment to a downtown presence for UNC Asheville. We continue to work toward this goal and we are confident that it is a goal we will achieve," Chancellor Mullen said.

Media Contacts:

• Tom Byers, UNCA Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, 282/251-6500
• Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information Director, 828/251-6676