Appalachian State University

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Appalachian 105

Appalachian 105 construction

Construction continues on the new track and field competition/practice area at App State's Appalachian 105 property, as shown in this photo taken April 25, 2022. Construction is slated for completion in summer 2022. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Appalachian 105 is one of several major projects being planned at Appalachian State University to enhance the App State Experience.

The phased project supports the strategic plan of App State and the university’s goals and metrics associated with the University of North Carolina System’s strategic plan. The entire campus community will benefit, beginning with students and athletics.

About

Watauga County transferred ownership of the former Watauga High School property, located off Highway 105 in Boone, to App State 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.

App State 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.

App State continues exploring other options for development to meet the university’s needs for collaborative academic spaces, including event space, parking, residence halls and additional recreation accommodations for students.

Read a summary of themes and ideas

View property on Google Maps

A 180-degree view of the property. Video by Marie Freeman

Appalachian 105 construction
This April 25, 2022, photo displays construction work at the site of App State's Appalachian 105 property. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Appalachian 105 construction
Construction progress on the new track and field competition/practice area at App State's Appalachian 105 property, as of March 22, 2022. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Appalachian 105 construction
This photo, taken Jan. 13, 2022, shows construction progress on App State’s new track and field competition/practice area at the Appalachian 105 property in Boone. The stands shown at right in the foreground will be refurbished as part of the project. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Appalachian 105 construction
Construction progress on App State’s new track and field competition/practice area at the Appalachian 105 property, as of Nov. 9, 2021. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Appalachian 105 construction
The Appalachian 105 property is cleared for development, as shown in this August 2021 photo. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Appalachian 105 construction
The grandstand at the old Watauga High School is dismantled June 3, 2021, as part of the App 105 project. Watauga County transferred ownership of the former high school property, located off Highway 105, to App State in fall 2017. Acquisition of the property allows the university to make deliberate choices about growth and build an intentional community. Metal from the grandstand is being recycled. Photo by Marie Freeman
Appalachian 105 construction
A close-up image of the grandstand being dismantled June 3, 2021, to make way for a new track and field competition and practice area at the App 105 site. The metal is being recycled. Photo by Marie Freeman
Appalachian 105 construction
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

Status

In October 2018, the UNC Board of Governors approved App State’s requests to designate the Appalachian 105 property as having millennial campus status and to move forward with the conceptual design process. In March 2019, 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, 2019, 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 being designed by CHA Consulting Inc., of Raleigh.

A phased construction of the projects began in May 2021, when Barton Malow was awarded the contract to create the new competition track and field and address underground stormwater retention. The project began with demolition of the grandstand in June 2021 and the recycling of that metal. The installation of drainage, electrical and irrigation systems is underway, and the construction of retaining walls is ongoing. Workers are also preparing the site for sod installation and paving and setting up equipment for field events. Completion of the track and field competition/practice area and associated site work is slated for summer 2022.

Until new tennis courts are complete, App State’s varsity tennis teams will use the Rivers Street courts. Those courts were resurfaced in fall 2019 and also serve academic tennis classes and University Recreation.

105 Property CHA rendering

A rendering of the finished athletics projects. Image courtesy of CHA Consulting Inc.

How is it funded?

Competition and training facilities for the university’s track and field and a team support building with locker rooms and public restrooms are expected to cost $11.8 million. These 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 eventually will benefit from this project. Since the property is being developed in phases, the first groups to benefit will be students and athletics.

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.

Related Links:

  • A Mountaineer Impact Reaches $60 Million Goal
  • Appalachian, Watauga County close on old Watauga High School property
  • Campus Construction Updates
  • Master Plan 2025
  • Innovation District
  • Glossary
  • Parking and Traffic Messages

Major current projects:

  • App State Hickory
  • Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research
  • Appalachian 105
  • Residence halls
  • Child Development Center Expansion
  • Arts Corridor
  • Wey Hall
  • Boone Creek Daylighting
  • University Bookstore renovation

Major completed projects:

  • Sanford Hall
  • NPHC Plots and Garden
  • Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences
  • Kidd Brewer Stadium — North End Zone
  • Founders Plaza
  • Career Development Center relocation
  • Blue Ridge Way
Related News:
Campus View

Appalachian State University’s improvement and development projects approved by UNC Board of Governors

Oct. 12, 2018

During its October meeting, the UNC Board of Governors approved five improvement and development projects at Appalachian, including the Kidd Brewer Stadium north end zone facility, the renovation or replacement of seven residence halls and more.

Learn more

An aerial view of areas receiving millennial campus designation at Appalachian State University. Video by Marie Freeman

Appalachian’s Future

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