The project was formally announced in June. | Photo via UNC Asheville
UNC Asheville announced that it will be pausing negotiations for its $250 million Millennial Campus development — which includes a 5,000-seat soccer stadium, housing, and retail on 45 acres of urban forest — to continue vetting the project and “secure broader stakeholder input,” according to a news release.
The university intends to establish a Millennial Campus Development Commission, appointed by UNC Asheville Board of Trustees Chair Roger Aiken and Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. The group’s initial focus will be on proposed alternatives to the plan, with other functions including soliciting community input and reviewing proposed development ideas.
Since its inception, the project has garnered opposition from many locals, spurring the Save the Woods movement — an organized group of students, faculty, staff, nearby residents, and Asheville citizens.
UNC Asheville invites the community to bring their ideas to the commission, which is expected to wrap up its work by January.
Events
Events
Friday, Aug. 15
Downtown After 5 | 5-10 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | The concert series wraps up for the season with ‘90s country and a Dolly Parton lookalike contest.
Amanda Anne Platt | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $16 | Hear the fantastic folk stylings of the local singer as she performs tracks from her latest album, “The Ones That Stay.”
Saturday, Aug. 16
Sunset Sessions | 5-8:30 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free | Feel the beat of the bass drum and find your groove during the house music party on the terrace.
The Woodstock Costume Contest | 6-9 p.m. | French Broad Brewing | Free | Jam out to the tunes from Weirdly Woodstock while wearing your boho best for this contest — there are cash prizes on the line.
Sunday, Aug. 17
Vegan Market Asheville | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bridge & Tunnel Cafe | Free+ | Get your fill of plant-based fuel from donuts to cheese to Peruvian Papa Rellena.
Hayley Ellman | 7-9 p.m. | RAD Brewing Co. | $19 | Round out your weekend with a set from the cerebral and sardonic comic.
Monday, Aug. 18
Back To School Bingo | 6-8 p.m. | 12 Bones Smokehouse & Brewing, Arden | Free+ | Bring the whole crew for some feisty, family competition.
The Serum, powered by clinically proven Mitopure. | Photo by Timeline
As we age, skin loses the firmness and elasticity that gives it a youthful appearance. A key reason? Skin cells lose energy, hindering essential functions like collagen production.
It’s official — after 10+ months of rebuilding, Zillicoah is hopping back into action on Thursday, Aug. 21. “Without your support (whether it’s been encouragement, financial, or good old fashioned elbow grease), we likely wouldn’t have been able to come out the other side of this,” the brewery posted.
Open
Altamont Vintage has been hard at work refilling a new shop with precious antiques and collectables. After the storm, the store moved from its Swannanoa River Road location to a nearby spot on Mulvaney Street. Go see what treasures are in store today, it’s first day back open.
Arts
Now, meet Altamont’s new neighbors. Just down the street is AVL Clay, a studio from ceramic artist Arleen Ferrara, offering classes for beginners and monthly memberships for more experienced potters. Get a sneak peek of the studio tomorrow, Aug. 16.
Civic
On Tuesday, Aug. 26, Bowen National Research will present the Asheville Region Housing Needs Assessment, giving an overview of the current and expected housing needs in the Asheville metro area. The public is invited to attend the presentation at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock.
Regional
Through mid-November, the race is on to find Carl (aka Sasquatch). Each week, he’ll stop in a new town in the Smoky Mountains, where you can snap a pick to win prizes. If you’re not feeling confident in your tracking abilities, squatch and learn from the experts at Marion’s Bigfoot Festival on Saturday, Aug. 23. (WLOS)
Environment
Buncombe County is nearing completion of Helene debris removal, collecting more than 2.46 million cubic yards to date. This week marked a milestone, with the first home demolition completed through the Private Property Debris Removal program.
Edu
WNC educators can now apply for funding through the TangerKids Grants Program, open through Saturday, Oct. 18. Later this year, shoppers can help support their schools through voting — winners will be announced in December.
Something new is growing at Sow True Seed. The local, employee-owned seed + gardening biz just launched a full brand refresh. Dig into what’s new and use code STSREFRESH for 10% off your next order.*
Featured Deal
Put your business’s message here in as little as two days when you score 15% off your first ad buy on our self-service ad portal. Redeem your discount with code NEW15 at checkout.
Biz
📈 Scaling at lightning speed
Sauna House made the list once again. | Photo by Native Dreamer Photography
Twelve of the fastest-growing private companies in the US are right in our backyard. Inc. recently released its annual Inc. 5000 list, ranking companies based on percentage revenue growth over the last three years. Let’s get down to business and meet the Asheville companies that made the cut.
No. 652 | RYSE Construction | Construction | 639% growth
The Mills River-based general contractors have built everything from the food + bev options in the Asheville Regional Airport’s new north concourse to medical offices across WNC.
No. 1,260 | 2020 builders | Construction | 348% growth
The construction company is focused on residential single-family builds with one goal in mind: “to make high-quality housing attainable in Asheville.”
No. 2,398 | Aeroflow Health | Healthcare | 177% growth
The medical equipment company provides patients with easy access to supplies like breast pumps, diabetes management tools, and sleep therapy tech.
No. 2,817 | Sauna House | Healthcare | 147% growth
People across the country have been introduced to the sustainability-minded bathhouse’s sauna and cold plunge sessions as the company expanded to six locations.
Our favorite back-to-school find for college students: an upholstered storage ottoman. Dorm rooms don’t offer much space, so smart storage solutions are a must. This ottoman delivers with a roomy interior and soft teddy velvet fabric — combining function with style.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Blue Ridge Roller Derby is looking for some skaters to join them for their home team bouts. If you’re not much of a skater, it’s still well worth it to go see them in action — check out the 2025 schedule.
‡The Serum disclaimer: Based on an 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial of 36 healthy women aged 40 to 65 years.
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