App State’s Newland Residence Hall, pictured July 19, 2022, is scheduled to undergo a nearly $7 million renovation beginning in spring 2023. Photo by Chase Reynolds
The renovation of Newland Hall is among several major planned construction projects at Appalachian State University to enhance the App State Experience.
The 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. It will benefit students, academics and the community.
About
The nearly $7 million renovation of App State’s Newland Residence Hall is expected to extend the useful life of the building by 15-20 years. Newland Hall is located adjacent Wey Hall and the Blue Ridge pedestrian pathway, slightly northeast of the termination of Stadium Drive at Rivers Street.
- Repairing roof valleys and louvers.
- Modernizing the elevator system.
- Replacing the make-up air system.
- Replacing site walls, walkways and stairs, as well as the foundation waterproofing.
- Improving the electrical system.
- Addressing deficiencies in the brick veneer and sealants.
This project will address moisture and mold mitigation issues at the source and reduce operational costs, as well as improve the overall indoor air quality for the building’s residents.
Status
Consultants Salas O’Brien and Jenkins-Peer Architects completed an advanced planning study for the project in January 2022 to identify and prioritize issues with the building envelope and HVAC system and their impact on indoor air quality, mold mitigation and remediation, and exterior moisture infiltration.
The Newland Hall project was approved by App State’s Board of Trustees at the board’s June 17, 2022, meeting. It was then approved by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors on July 20, 2022.
App State has secured RND Architects as the designer for the project, and construction is slated to begin in May 2023, coinciding with the spring semester move-out for students. The construction work is estimated to take approximately 15 months to complete, with a target completion date of August 2024. App State will work to minimize the construction’s impact on residents who will continue to occupy most of the building during the renovation.
How is it funded?
Revenue generated through University Housing will fund the Newland Hall renovation.
Who will benefit?
Current and future App State students, including first-year and upper-division students, who wish to stay on campus in an environment that promotes their academic and personal success will benefit from Newland Hall’s 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?
The first-year experience for both first-year and transfer residential students plays a significant role in student success at App State. Research conducted nationally, as well as by App State’s 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.
Major current projects:
- App State Hickory Campus
- Innovation District
- Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research
- Appalachian 105
- Arts Corridor
- Dining Facilities Renovations — Roess Dining Hall and Trivette Hall
- Holmes Parking Deck
- Wey Hall Renovation
- University Bookstore renovation
- Newland Hall Renovation
- Peacock Hall Addition and Renovation
- Edwin Duncan Hall Renovation
- Boone Creek Daylighting
Nearly completed major projects:
An aerial view of areas receiving millennial campus designation at Appalachian State University. Video by Marie Freeman