This artist’s rendering depicts what App State’s Edwin Duncan Hall might look like once renovations to the building are complete. This image does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Click on the image for a full view. Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
The Edwin Duncan Hall renovation is one of several major construction projects underway at Appalachian State University to enhance the App State Experience.
The project supports App State’s strategic priorities, as well as the university’s goals and metrics associated with the University of North Carolina System’s strategic plan. It will benefit students, faculty, staff and academics.
About
The planned renovation of Edwin Duncan Hall includes adding and refurbishing elevators, making repairs to the building’s exterior, installing a new sprinkler system and completely revamping the facility’s HVAC system.
Constructed in 1965, Edwin Duncan Hall contains office space, classrooms and labs and has undergone numerous, small renovations over the years. The nearly 98,000-square-foot facility will be completely gutted as part of the renovation, with a goal of improving and adapting the space to current and future programming needs — which includes offering more technologically advanced classrooms.
Once renovated, the building will be home to a suite for the deans and chairs of App State’s College of Fine and Applied Arts, as well as the college’s Department of Communication.
This artist’s rendering depicts what App State’s Edwin Duncan Hall might look like once renovations to the building are complete. This image does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
This artist’s rendering shows what Edwin Duncan Hall might look like once the building’s renovations are complete. Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
App State’s Edwin Duncan Hall is scheduled to undergo a nearly $21 million renovation, with construction slated to begin in summer 2023. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Status
App State selected McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the designer for the project, and Vannoy Construction, located in Jefferson, North Carolina, serves as the project’s construction manager. Preparation work for the project’s renovation began in June 2023 and construction is slated for completion in spring 2025.
Swing office space has been made available in East Hall for Edwin Duncan Hall faculty and staff displaced by the renovation. Classes and labs are being accommodated in various academic buildings across App State’s Boone campus.
How is it funded?
To date, App State has received $26.8 million in state-allocated funding for the renovation of Edwin Duncan Hall. Nearly $21 million in project support, which includes $800,000 reserved for HVAC and lighting improvements, was allocated to App State as part of the 2021–22 biennial budget bill. The university received an additional $6 million in support — an inflationary adjustment — for the project as part of the 2023–24 biennial budget bill.
Who will benefit?
App State students, faculty, staff are set to benefit from the Edwin Duncan Hall renovation. Investing in the development of App State’s physical infrastructure supports and elevates the university’s educational mission — and empowers the vast human potential on App State’s campus.
How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?
Providing the best environment for teaching and learning can impact recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff.
Major current projects:
Major completed projects:
- Dining Facilities Renovations — Roess Dining Hall and Trivette Hall
- University Bookstore Renovation
- Residence Halls
- Child Development Center Expansion
- Kidd Brewer Stadium — North End Zone
- Career Development Center relocation
- Sanford Hall Renovation
- Blue Ridge Way
- NPHC Plots and Garden
- Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences
- Founders Plaza
An aerial view of areas receiving millennial campus designation at Appalachian State University. Video by Marie Freeman