For more than 60 years, Lipinsky Hall has stood at the heart of UNC Asheville—home to unforgettable performances, passionate student voices, and a creative community that’s inspired generations. Now, it’s time to give this historic space the future it deserves.
A Hall Full of History and Heart
Built in 1964 as UNC Asheville’s first student union, Lipinsky Hall has long been a place of connection. It once housed the campus cafeteria, student radio station, and spaces where young leaders gathered to shape campus life. Named for Louis Lipinsky, a beloved community leader who helped secure UNC Asheville’s home on this hilltop, the building carries a legacy of service, creativity, and transformation.
Its auditorium has welcomed thousands—from first-year students discovering their passions to audiences captivated by music, theatre, and speakers who challenged and inspired.
A Creative Hub in Urgent Need of Renewal
Today, Lipinsky Hall remains a vital space—but it’s showing its age. Outdated infrastructure, limited rehearsal and classroom space, and aging performance areas no longer meet the needs of today’s students, especially those in UNC Asheville’s rapidly growing music and arts programs.
That’s why the university is investing in a bold renovation and expansion project—one that will honor the building’s rich legacy while equipping it to serve future generations.
The Vision: A New Lipinsky for a New Century
Plans for the $36 million transformation are already in motion. The revitalized Lipinsky Hall will feature:
- A state-of-the-art performance auditorium for concerts, lectures, and events
- Modern music technology labs and collaborative classrooms
- Acoustically optimized rehearsal spaces and private practice rooms
- Welcoming new student spaces and upgraded faculty offices
- Critical updates to heating, cooling, lighting, and building systems
All designed with one purpose: to ensure that Lipinsky Hall continues to be a beacon of creativity, learning, and community for the next 100 years.
The Time to Act Is Now
This project isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about students—those here now, and those who will walk through Lipinsky’s doors in the future. It’s about preserving a space where passion meets purpose, where talent finds voice, and where dreams take the stage.
With nearly $72 million raised toward the Centennial Campaign, including a $1 million challenge gift to support the transformation of Lipinsky Hall, UNC Asheville is closer than ever to making this vision a reality. But to complete this transformation, we need your help.
Be Part of the Legacy
You can help shape the future of the arts at UNC Asheville. Your gift—no matter the size—will support:
- New spaces for students to learn, rehearse, and perform
- The creative spark that fuels UNC Asheville’s unique liberal arts education
- A historic building’s bold next act
Let’s build a Lipinsky Hall that reflects the passion, excellence, and potential of every student it serves.
Join us. Support the Lipinsky Hall renovation today by providing a gift to the Centennial Campaign. For more information, contact Shannon Earle, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, at searle@unca.edu.