Cranes, cones and diverted traffic. These generally mean one thing on a university campus — growth and change. At Appalachian State University, signs of construction also represent our deep commitment to the institution’s academic mission, the quality of the Appalachian Experience, and service to students and the citizens of North Carolina.
Appalachian has major construction projects underway or being planned over the next three to five years that will enhance the Appalachian Experience and support the university’s strategic plan, “The Appalachian Experience: Envisioning a just and sustainable future.”
Each project also supports Appalachian’s goals and metrics associated with the University of North Carolina System’s strategic plan, titled “Higher Expectations.”
Campus Construction Projects:
- Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research
- Appalachian 105
- Residence halls
- Kidd Brewer Stadium — North End Zone
- Child Development Center Expansion
- Sanford Hall
- Pedestrian Pathway Connector / Arts Corridor
- Wey Hall
- Boone Creek Daylighting
- NPHC Plots and Garden
- Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences
- Founders Plaza
Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research
This site of the former Broyhill Inn and Conference Center will house Appalachian’s Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research, as part of the new Innovation Campus. Photo by Marie Freeman
This will be the first building of the Innovation Campus, which will be located at the site of the former Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on Bodenheimer Drive. It will be a vital link between the campus and the regional community through education, research and outreach.
The conservatory and nearby Nature Preserve Trailhead will advance the natural and cultural history of the Southern Appalachian region, allowing the Appalachian Community and visitors to:
- understand the natural history and economic importance of our region’s biodiversity;
- gain a heightened appreciation of the research and creative endeavors being conducted at Appalachian.
The conservatory will build on existing opportunities available through the Department of Biology’s teaching and research facilities.
How is it funded?
Expenses for a feasibility study, the first step in developing this project, are being paid with state funds through the Division of Academic Affairs.
Who will benefit?
Students in Appalachian’s College of Arts and Sciences and their faculty mentors will use the conservatory’s state-of-the art research space for basic and applied research. Visitors, including K-12 students and community members, will benefit from the scientific exhibits and demonstrations informed by the research conducted at the facility.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
Appalachian can produce more graduates in the critical workforce areas for North Carolina — identified in the UNC System’s strategic plan as STEM, K-12 education, health sciences, and emerging workforce areas — who are capable of addressing the needs of the world.
Status
Clark Nexsen, the architectural engineering firm hired by the university to conduct a feasibility study, presented a report Jan. 30 after weeks of meeting with a variety of stakeholders to determine the best mix of gardens, conservatory, labs and meeting space. The report is being reviewed by university leaders.
This schematic reflects initial ideas shared by Department of Biology faculty on how the conservatory could be arranged at the site of the former Broyhill Inn and Conference Center.
A 360-degree view of the future Innovation Campus site, which will include the Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research. Video by Marie Freeman
↓ Campus Construction Projects:
↓ Campus Construction Projects:
- Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research
- Appalachian 105
- Residence halls
- Kidd Brewer Stadium — North End Zone
- Child Development Center Expansion
- Sanford Hall
- Pedestrian Pathway Connector / Arts Corridor
- Wey Hall
- Boone Creek Daylighting
- NPHC Plots and Garden
- Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences
- Founders Plaza
Appalachian 105
The former Watauga High School property, located off Highway 105 about a mile from the main campus, offers new opportunities for Appalachian. Photo by Marie Freeman
Watauga County transferred ownership of the former Watauga High School property, located off Highway 105 in Boone, to Appalachian on Sept. 29, 2017. The acquisition of this property, now called Appalachian 105, allows the university to make deliberate choices about growth and build an intentional community.
The property consists of 75 acres and was appraised at $16.7 million.
A portion of the property — the 34 acres that comprised the former high school's track, softball and outdoor tennis courts — has been subdivided with efforts focused on redesigning and upgrading this area to university-level, competition-grade venues for track, softball and tennis.
Appalachian had been exploring other options for development, including student residence halls, a day care facility and student recreation fields. Three interactive listening sessions were held in January 2018, allowing campus and community members to share ideas for the property’s use.
Appalachian's vice chancellor for business affairs, Paul Forte, said other ideas under consideration for future development of the remaining portion of the property include "facilities to meet the university’s needs for collaborative academic spaces, event space, parking, residence halls and additional recreation accommodations for students."
Read a summary of themes and ideas
How is it funded?
Competition and training facilities for the university’s track and field, tennis and softball programs are expected to cost $11.8 million. They will be funded by donations to Appalachian Athletics’ “A Mountaineer Impact: A Drive for Excellence” fundraising initiative.
Funding for other development would need to be determined as plans for those possibilities progress.
Who will benefit?
The entire campus community.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
An enhanced campus designed with students, faculty, staff and the public in mind supports recruitment and retention of all members of the university and local communities.
Status
In October 2018, the UNC Board of Governors approved Appalachian’s requests to designate the Appalachian 105 property as having millennial campus status and to move forward with the conceptual design process. In March, the UNC Board of Governors approved the authority to spend money for the competition and training facilities for the university’s track and field, tennis and softball programs.
The university requested April 29 that the Boone Town Council and Town of Boone Planning Commission rezone part of the Appalachian 105 property, from B3 to E1 — which means educational without residential. The project is currently in the design phase with CHA Consulting Inc., of Raleigh.
A phased completion of the projects will begin spring 2021. Until new tennis courts are complete, Appalachian’s varsity tennis teams will use the Rivers Street courts. Those courts were resurfaced this fall and also serve academic tennis classes and University Recreation.
A 180-degree view of the property. Video by Marie Freeman
A rendering of the finished athletics projects. Image courtesy of CHA Consulting Inc.
Residence halls
An Oct. 29 aerial view of the two new residence halls under construction. Photo by Chase Reynolds
This major housing project will replace seven residence halls: Bowie, Coltrane, Eggers, Gardner, Winkler, Justice and East. All but East Hall are located on the west side of campus.
Winkler Hall was demolished in 2014, and six others have been recommended for removal due to extensive deferred maintenance needs. The plan calls for replacing nearly 1,800 beds — and adding 300-400 more — while also adding better, more efficient parking.
This $191 million project is part of the Recreational Village (page 93) described in the Master Plan 2025. Current plans are to provide between 2,100 and 2,200 beds of student housing in three phases, with completion dates of fall 2020, fall 2021 and fall 2022.
How is it funded?
Through a public-private partnership, known as a P3, which was given considerable and careful review by Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Paul Forte. The partnership was approved for Appalachian by the UNC Board of Governors in May.
Approximately 330 beds will be constructed by RISE: A Real Estate Company (RISE) and purchased and owned by Appalachian using proceeds from its General Revenue Bonds, Series 2016C to replace the former Winkler Hall. Approximately 1,770 beds and the parking deck will be financed and owned by Beyond Owners Group (Beyond) through tax-exempt debt.
Appalachian sought and received authorization from the Board of Governors in October 2018 to enter into a ground lease agreement with Beyond, which will serve as the foundation for related agreements on the development and management of the 1,770-bed and parking deck portion of the project.
A ground lease is an agreement in which a tenant is permitted to develop a piece of property during the lease period, after which the land and all improvements are turned over to the property owner. The agreement between the university and Beyond will allow Beyond to obtain project financing. Beyond will have a leasehold interest in the project site, and will be obligated to develop the project and own the privately financed improvements for the duration of the ground lease. Appalachian will have the right to approve plans and specifications for the project.
Through the P3, Appalachian will save more than $73 million over the cost of developing the property on its own. The P3 is made possible by millennial campus designation.
Who will benefit?
First-year and upper-division students who wish to stay on campus in an environment that promotes their academic and personal success.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
The first-year experience for both first-year and transfer residential students plays a significant role in student success at Appalachian. Research conducted nationally, as well as on campus by Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning, has shown that students who participate in on-campus housing activities tend to become more involved in campus events, make more friends, create more robust connections with peers and faculty/staff, earn higher grades and are retained at a higher level.
Status
In mid-February 2019, Appalachian and RISE: A Real Estate Company (RISE) signed final paperwork required to develop the multiphase, $191 million housing project in a public-private partnership (P3).
The university selected RISE through a competitive procurement process in 2018. The development of the entire project is planned in three phases, with completion dates of fall 2020, fall 2021 and fall 2022. The residence halls will add approximately 2,100 beds.
In phase one, RISE is constructing two residence halls on what had been Stadium Parking Lot, totaling approximately 900 beds. Both halls are on schedule to open to students in fall 2020.
On March 29, the university’s Board of Trustees approved a $3,256,597 expenditure to replace the steam line under Stadium Parking Lot, which was installed in 1965 and is deteriorating, to serve the new buildings. That work continues.
A parking deck with 477 spaces opened mid-August 2019 at the site of the former Winkler Hall. It adds 250 more spaces to the west side of campus.Listen to weekly construction updates
Architectural renderings of the finished residence halls and parking deck. Images courtesy of Niles Bolton Associates.
A Google Earth image of the area as it looked prior to the start of construction, with buildings and parking areas labeled.
A 360-degree view shot in October 2018 of the site for new residence halls, parking deck and end zone project. Video by Marie Freeman
Kidd Brewer Stadium — North End Zone
Architectural renderings of the north end zone facility at Appalachian's Kidd Brewer Stadium. Images courtesy of CJMW Architecture.
Identified as the “mixed-use athletics facility” project in the Master Plan 2025 (page 96), or sometimes referred to as the End Zone Project, this initiative will transform the north end zone of Kidd Brewer Stadium into a facility providing 80,000–100,000 square feet of space designed to accommodate various athletics and academic uses.
The total budget for the end zone project is $50 million, after an additional $5 million was approved by the Board of Trustees Nov. 5, 2019.
This project is part of the Recreational Village (page 93) described in the Master Plan 2025.
How is it funded?
The project will be funded through donations to Appalachian Athletics’ “A Mountaineer Impact: A Drive for Excellence” fundraising initiative, club seat revenue, Food Services revenue and debt through Millennial Campus designation, which will be repaid using tenant lease revenue.
Who will benefit?
In addition to providing an enhanced experience for student-athletes and fans, this facility will be available for use by the entire campus community. It will accommodate various athletics and academic uses, including athletic training and nutrition science.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
An enhanced experience for student-athletes and fans can go a long way in recruiting new students. It also can cultivate donors, which in turn supports scholarships for students needing financial assistance to attend college.
Status
The plan is to open the building in two phases. The first phase will be open by the fall 2020 football season and include retail spaces, box seating, and Campus Dining’s catering space. Watch the live construction feed
D.H. Griffin Companies was selected for the demolition of Owens Field House, which began March 25 and took two days.
Prior to demolition, Appalachian’s Physical Plant salvaged $300,000 worth of materials from Owens Field House for reuse in other campus buildings, and Athletics reused most of the furniture. The two and a half weeks after demolition were spent sorting debris: All metals were recycled, and most of the masonry was to be used as fill material on another construction site. These actions accrue points toward LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification of the new, mixed-use athletics facility to be constructed at the site.
On Nov. 5, 2019, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees approved an additional $5 million in spending due to a tight construction market, as well as a $2.5 million replacement of Kidd Brewer Stadium’s synthetic turf to fit the layout of the new end zone.
Live construction feed.
Interior renderings of the north end zone facility at Appalachian's Kidd Brewer Stadium. Images courtesy of CJMW Architecture.
Owens Field House, pictured in foreground, prior to demolition. Photo by Marie Freeman
Steel framing underway on the new end zone facility, as of Oct. 29. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Child Development Center Expansion
The Child Development Center, bottom center, located on Poplar Grove Road near campus. Photo by Marie Freeman
Plans are underway to increase capacity of the Child Development Center (CDC), which serves the university’s faculty, staff and students.
Part of the Division of Student Affairs, the CDC offers high-quality, affordable care to 68 children and has a current waitlist of nearly 100 families. The expansion will increase the total number served and address needs that are not being met by the existing program.
Chancellor Sheri Everts said the university recognizes the importance of child care in recruiting and retaining highly qualified faculty, staff and students, and for allowing students to continue their education as they raise and expand their families. The center’s operations are funded by sliding scale fees based on the income of the parents and families of the children.
How is it funded?
The UNC Board of Governors has approved the expenditure of $2.57 million in university operating funds for the total project.
Who will benefit?
The entire Appalachian Community, as more students, faculty and staff will have access to high-quality, affordable child care through the university.
A recent assessment by Wellness and Prevention Services indicated an increasing number of students have dependents and need additional support, such as child care options, to thrive at Appalachian. Most of these student-parents do not have family support nearby, according to the Child Development Center’s director, Moriah Stegall.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
An enhanced campus designed with students, faculty, staff and the public in mind supports recruitment and retention of all members of the university and local communities.
Status
A design selection committee worked through the fall 2018 semester soliciting proposals from possible design firms and conducting interviews. The committee’s final selection, Clark Nexsen of Asheville, was approved by Appalachian’s Board of Trustees Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Clark Nexsen concluded a feasibility study recommending a best course of action to university leadership in June.
After considering the report, the university plans to add a 3,000-square-foot, pre-fabricated building with a fixed foundation to the existing site on Poplar Grove Road and renovate the current building — changes that will allow the facility to accommodate an additional 40-50 children. Associated site work will consist of a new drop off area, parking, sidewalks and exterior playground space. These upgrades are expected to be finished in fall 2020.
Sanford Hall
An architectural rendering of the renovated Sanford Hall. Image courtesy of LS3P Associates.
Built in 1968, Sanford Hall is structurally sound and meets the basic safety codes established in the late 1960s, but it needs renovation to outdated HVAC, electrical and fire suppression systems, air conditioning, classrooms and office space. Renovation is expected to extend the life of the building by as much as 40 years.
How is it funded?
The North Carolina General Assembly’s House Bill 1054, which unanimously passed on June 14, 2018, lets Appalachian take on self-liquidating debt for the project.
Who will benefit?
Every student at Appalachian takes at least one class in Sanford Hall. The building accommodates 4,600 students per day — 23,000 students per week.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
Providing the best environment for teaching and learning, particularly for first-year students, can impact recruitment and retention.
Status
In October 2018, the UNC Board of Governors authorized $18 million for the project. Work on the building began this summer and will run to spring semester 2021. LS3P Associates and Stanford White Engineering were selected for the project’s design.
Renovation in progress at Sanford Hall, as of Oct. 29. Photo by Marie Freeman
Pedestrian Pathway Connector / Arts Corridor
This Aug. 30 photo shows the nearly completed pedestrian pathway connector between Newland Hall, left, and Wey Hall, right. It connects the new parking deck to the existing parking circle in front of the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Marie Freeman
This pathway will unite the two halves of Appalachian’s campus, as referenced in the Master Plan 2025 (page 41), while connecting the arts, transportation and university events.
The first portion, completed in time for the Aug. 31 football game and now called Blue Ridge Way, connects the new parking deck adjacent to Frank and Belk Residence Halls to the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and Wey Hall. This connector primarily serves as a wide pedestrian path. During events with large attendance (football games, large concerts, events in the new North End Zone facility), it offers improved emergency vehicle access and is used for an additional vehicle exit from the parking deck and stadium areas.
The second portion of the project, known as the arts corridor, would more visibly link the Schaefer Center; Wey Hall, which houses the Department of Art; and the Broyhill Music Center — all located to the south of Rivers Street — and then cross Rivers Street to the university’s other key arts facilities: Chapell Wilson Hall, which houses the Department of Theatre and Dance; Valborg Theatre; and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.
How is it funded?
The funding source for the Blue Ridge Way pedestrian pathway connector was the university’s Transportation and Parking Reserves fund. No official planning funds have been invested in the arts corridor yet.
Who will benefit?
All members of the campus and local community benefit. Since late August 2019, pedestrians and motorists attending campus events such as football games, large concerts at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and events in the new North End Zone facility experience faster egress, better traffic flow and increased safety. Eventually, those walking through campus will have a more clearly marked route, which also would guide them to various arts facilities, including the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and the gateway to King Street in downtown Boone.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
The safety, health, wellness and enjoyment of all members of the Appalachian Community, including visitors, are of utmost concern of the university, as each makes possible personal, academic and institutional success.
Status
On Jan. 24, 2019, the UNC Board of Governors approved expenditures of up to $916,866 from existing budgets to plan and implement the pedestrian pathway connector. Construction was complete in time for the 2019 football season. The contractor was Greene Construction of Boone.
The pedestrian pathway connector, now called Blue Ridge Way, was made to match the sidewalks around Sanford Mall, built with pavers laid in a concrete foundation. Weep holes in the concrete allow water penetration to nearby tree roots. Construction activity was excluded from an established tree protection zone around one of Appalachian’s oldest campus trees.
This early May image shows the area before construction. Photo by Marie Freeman
Wey Hall
Wey Hall, pictured in spring 2018. Photo by Marie Freeman
Wey Hall, which houses the Department of Art, was built in 1976 and has never been renovated. It lacks fire suppression and sprinkler systems. Other major building systems are also reaching the end of their useful lives, such as plumbing, elevators, and electrical, heating/cooling and ventilation systems. Ventilation is particularly important in this building, given that students work in metal work and dark room processes that produce fumes.
Originally, the university planned to renovate the building’s third floor only. In May 2018, the UNC Board of Governors authorized the university to spend up to $200,000 for advance planning for this third floor renovation. During the course of planning, it became apparent that a comprehensive, full-building modernization would be required.
Renovation and modernization of the entire building will cost approximately $25 million and will include aesthetic improvements in addition to addressing all major building systems. This past March, the Board of Governors authorized Appalachian to spend up to $2 million of the $25 million needed to create preliminary building designs (known as “Advance Planning.”)
LS3P has been selected as the designer. Advance Planning begins this summer.
How is it funded?
This project may be funded with a combination of donations, carry forward funds and legislative appropriations.
Who will benefit?
Wey Hall houses the Department of Art, which offers more than 100 course sections to approximately 1,400 students. The building’s classrooms also are used by University College for general education and first year seminar courses.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
Providing the best environment for teaching and learning, particularly for first-year students, can impact recruitment and retention.
Status
The project is in the Advance Planning stage, which is expected to conclude in October. If funds become available, the earliest time construction could begin would be 2021. The university will have swing space available for Wey Hall faculty displaced by the renovation once the Sanford Hall renovation project concludes.
An architectural rendering of a gallery for students, part of the proposed designs for Wey Hall's renovations. Image courtesy of LS3P Associates.
Boone Creek Daylighting
An early concept drawing of what the exposed Boone Creek and redesigned parking and traffic flow near Peacock Hall might look like. Image courtesy of Planning, Design and Construction
Daylighting Boone Creek in the area of Duncan Hall and Peacock Hall aligns with the objective included in the Master Plan 2025 to improve Rivers Street and expose the campus’s natural ecosystems.
It would allow this section of Boone Creek to become a place for education, contemplation and natural inspiration, while also helping mitigate flooding and storm water run-off issues — much as Durham Park has become for a lower section of Boone Creek near the main campus entrance.
In connection with this project is the possible construction of a parking deck near Peacock Hall and the redesign of traffic flow into the Peacock and Duncan lots.
How is it funded?
A feasibility study currently underway with Jennings Environmental is being funded by the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Appalachian State University and the Town of Boone.
Who will benefit?
The entire campus and local community will benefit for technical and aesthetic reasons. Storm water control in this area is expected to improve conditions downstream, while a visible creek with natural plants along Rivers Street will enhance the beauty of this major thoroughfare.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
An enhanced campus designed with students, faculty, staff and the public in mind supports recruitment and retention of all members of the university and local communities.
Status
A feasibility study is underway this fall for the creek’s daylighting. As part of the study, the university, New River Conservancy, Town of Boone and Jennings Environmental hosted two information and listening sessions about the project Oct. 7. A report is expected in early 2020.
This map indicates the existing Boone Creek culvert, in black, and the study area, in red, that are part of an initial feasibility study underway with Jennings Environmental. Image courtesy of New River Conservancy
NPHC Plots and Garden
The new NPHC Plots and Garden project beside I.G. Greer Hall. Photo by Marie Freeman
For more than 50 years, historically black colleges and universities across the United States have developed a tradition of providing a gathering space for the National Pan-Hellenic Council or NPHC. With its NPHC Plots and Garden project, Appalachian is among a very few predominantly white institutions (PWIs) that also pay tribute to the legacy of African-American Greek life.
Like many black Greek letter organization traditions, the development of plots can be traced to the days of slavery, and later, the division of Confederate land after the end of the Civil War for homestead development. Plots are constructed to symbolically and physically represent each black Greek letter organization's presence on campus and to give alumni and current members a location for reflection and celebration.
Students, staff and NPHC alumni have been advocating for this project for nearly 10 years. It gained significant momentum in 2017–18, when Chancellor Everts dedicated space for the NPHC during 2017 Homecoming festivities and crews began construction in June 2018. The site is located next to the Veterans Memorial in front of I.G. Greer Hall, near the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building.
How is it funded?
The project is funded through institutional support as well as money raised by Appalachian NPHC affiliated alumni, faculty, staff and other friends.
Who will benefit?
The entire campus community, and especially members of the seven NPHC fraternities and sororities with chapters at Appalachian. This space signifies yet another way that the University of North Carolina System and Appalachian value diversity and inclusive excellence and the benefits these principles bring to campus.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
By demonstrating support of diversity and inclusive excellence, the university validates all members of the campus community. When underrepresented students, staff and faculty feel validated, they are more likely to succeed.
Status
Construction is complete. An unveiling was held Sept. 29, 2018, during homecoming festivities. Fundraising efforts surpassed $150,000 under the leadership of alumna Trustee Susan Branch '99, alumnus James Tolliver '96 and alumnus J.K. Reaves '93. Gifts are still being accepted under The Divine Nine Leadership Development Endowment, a newly created fund derived from the Plots and Garden project to provide leadership grants and awards to students within NPHC.
Members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at their plot during the NPHC Plots and Garden unveiling Sept. 29 during Homecoming 2018. Photo by Marie Freeman
Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences
The front entrance of the Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences. Photo by Marie Freeman
This is the largest capital project to date in Appalachian’s history and the first completed project as part of the $2 billion Connect NC Bond referendum approved by voters in March 2016. It is located at 1179 State Farm Road, across from Watauga Medical Center.
How is it funded?
Connect NC Bond project, plus a $5 million commitment from The Leon Levine Foundation for the building and furnishings.
Who will benefit?
Appalachian’s nearly 3,500 students in the Beaver College of Health Sciences, who can study in a state-of-the-art facility that enhances collaborative efforts across the disciplines and fosters a patient-centered practice model; and citizens of the region — many in rural areas — who will be served by Appalachian’s well-prepared graduates.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
Appalachian can produce more graduates in the health sciences, one of the identified critical workforce areas for North Carolina.
Status
A ribbon-cutting took place Sept. 21, 2018. Five of the six departments in the Beaver College of Health Sciences are housed in Levine Hall: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health and Exercise Science, Nursing, Nutrition and Health Care Management and Social Work. The Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education remains in Holmes Convocation Center.
In early 2019, new collaborations and clinical services for rural Western North Carolina opened to the public in Levine Hall through the Beaver College of Health Sciences (BCHS) Interprofessional Clinic, part of Appalachian’s Blue Cross NC Institute for Health and Human Services (IHHS). The student-operated training clinic provides clinical space, scheduling, billing and electronic health record support to a number of affiliated clinics, including Appalachian’s Charles E. and Geneva S. Scott Scottish Rite Communication Disorders Clinic, Music Therapy and Psychology clinics, some of which continue to operate in University Hall. The Wake Forest PA program also began its classes in the new building in January.
Leon Levine Hall, as seen from above the intersection of Deerfield and State Farm roads. Photo by Marie Freeman
Founders Plaza
A fall 2019 aerial view of Founders Plaza, with statues of two of Appalachian’s co-founders, B.B. Dougherty and Lillie Shull Dougherty, and Founders Bell Pavilion. Photo by Marie Freeman
As a tribute to Appalachian’s founders, B.B. and D.D. Dougherty and Lillie Shull Dougherty, a new plaza was constructed in the Appalachian sign area off Hardin Street. Founders Plaza, dedicated Sept. 5, 2018, provides a larger, more iconic setting for the Appalachian sign and the university’s sculpture of B.B. Dougherty, and a new outdoor space for studying, small gatherings and scheduled campus events.
This $350,000 project fits into the Master Plan 2025’s description of a new campus gateway. (page 59)
How is it funded?
With a portion of the university’s FY18 State Repair and Renovations (R&R) allocation.
Who will benefit?
The entire campus and local community. Traditionally a popular spot for students, their families and alumni to take pictures, this area will pay greater tribute to Appalachian’s founders and its 120-year history.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
An enhanced campus designed with students, faculty, staff and the public in mind supports recruitment and retention of all members of the university and local communities.
Status
A dedication and luncheon was held Sept. 5, 2018 — the date of a new tradition, Founders Day, to be celebrated each fall to honor Appalachian’s founders and the first day of classes in 1899.
At Founders Day 2019, the university dedicated two additions to the plaza: a commemorative statue of Lillie Shull Dougherty and Founders Bell Pavilion, an architectural reproduction of the roof line and bell steeple of Watauga Academy, the school that evolved into Appalachian State University. The pavilion houses one of Appalachian’s historic bells.
Chancellor Sheri Everts speaks to the crowd during the second annual Founders Day Ceremony Sept. 5. To Everts’ left is the new statue of Lillie Shull Dougherty. Visible behind the crowd is Founders Bell Pavilion. Photo by Marie Freeman
- Campus Construction Projects
- Master Plan 2025
- Innovation Campus
- Glossary
- Parking and Traffic Messages
Students inside the newly opened Leon Levine Hall on the first day of classes in fall 2018 semester. Photo by Marie Freeman
An aerial view of areas receiving millennial campus designation at Appalachian State University. Video by Marie Freeman