West Campus revitalization project

Dear UNCSA Community,

This past Friday was the official first day of spring, the traditional UNCSA tulips have bloomed (huge hat tip to our excellent grounds crew!), and now is the perfect time to fill you in on an upcoming project that will help refresh and renew our magical campus.

This summer, we will begin a project to revitalize the western side of our campus bordered by South Main Street and Sunnyside Avenue. It has long been a goal to improve and beautify the areas around our main entrance, Kenan Drive and what has been lovingly referred to as “Kudzu Valley,” to create a more welcoming environment on that side of campus.

Funded by the UNC System’s Repairs & Renovations allocation, this project—two years in the making—sets the stage for future improvements to our campus and teaching spaces as we move ahead with our long-term campus master plan. In addition to our capital priorities, including a new high school residence hall and of course the Stevens Center – this is one of many projects underway to update and improve our current teaching and performance spaces.

The project will start this summer with improvements to the parking lots and surfaces on Kenan Drive (behind Hanes Student Commons and Gray Building). Our Facilities staff will be communicating regularly as that project progresses and will be in direct touch with anyone whose reserved parking spots may be affected.

An even more exciting focus of the project will be the restoration of the stream running along that side of campus, converting it from “Kudzu Valley” to an ecologically sound and beautified natural area. Not only will the stream restoration project strengthen and stabilize the stream banks to prevent further erosion, the work will also include removing invasive plant species, unhealthy trees, and accumulated debris. Native vegetation will be planted to restore the natural habitat and support local wildlife, improving the overall ecology of the area. Safeguarding mature trees is a top priority. 

By restoring the creek, we aim to enhance both the environmental health of the stream and create a more attractive natural space that we hope will provide inspiration to all in our campus community, as well as provide future opportunities for outdoor art, leisure, reflection and community engagement. Construction on the stream is expected to begin in September 2026 and continue throughout the academic year.

Other future aspects of the West Campus revitalization project will extend to properties bordering the stream and South Main Street, in an overall effort to create a more open and welcoming campus façade and enhance our teaching and learning environment.

We look forward to keeping you apprised of the West Campus revitalization project as it progresses.

In the meantime, I encourage you to get outside whenever you can as the weather improves and be inspired by nature. It just so happens to be Forsyth Creek Week March 21-29, and there are a number of opportunities to explore, enjoy, examine and improve our water-rich environment here in Winston-Salem and its surroundings, as we prepare to beautify our own campus creek. As artists and arts lovers, you never know where inspiration will hit!

Sincerely,

Brian Cole 
Chancellor