A conceptual rendering of the planned renovations for App State’s Wey Hall. Note, this image is for discussion purposes only and does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Click on the image for a full view. Graphic courtesy of LS3P Associates
The Wey Hall renovation and modernization 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 and academics.
About
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 darkroom processes that produce fumes.
Originally, the university planned to renovate the building’s third floor only. In May 2018, the University of North Carolina 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.
This artist's rendering shows a proposed student art gallery for the renovated Wey Hall, which will be named the Cathy P. Walling Student Art Gallery — in honor of the late Cathy P. Walling, a Class of 1978 App State graduate who was a lifelong painter and clay artist. This image does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Graphic courtesy of LS3P Associates
A conceptual rendering of the planned renovations for App State’s Wey Hall. This image does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Graphic courtesy of LS3P Associates
An artist’s rendering of what App State’s Wey Hall might look like once the building’s renovations are complete. This image does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Graphic courtesy of LS3P Associates
An artist’s rendering of the student art gallery that is planned as part of Wey Hall’s renovation. The space will be named the Cathy P. Walling Student Art Gallery, in honor of the late Cathy P. Walling — a Class of 1978 App State graduate who was a lifelong painter and clay artist. This image does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Graphic courtesy of LS3P Associates
Status
For the programming phase, completed in early May 2022, LS3P developed schematic designs, or architectural renderings, for the project. LS3P created the designs after meeting with and interviewing various project stakeholders, including members of the Department of Art’s academic program areas, to determine their specific needs and incorporate those into the designs.
App State selected Muter Construction LLC, of Zebulon, North Carolina, as the Construction Manager at Risk for the project. Preparation work for the project’ s renovation began in January 2023 and construction progresses on schedule. The Wey Hall renovation is slated for completion in summer 2025.
Recent construction work for the project includes the installation of hollow metal door frames and the construction of interior masonry walls. Fireproofing, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work continues, and workers are preparing to pour concrete floor and roof decks at the building’s new front elevator and stair tower.
Wey Hall faculty and staff displaced by the renovation have been provided temporary office space in East Hall. Classes and labs are being accommodated in various academic buildings during the renovation.
How is it funded?
Renovation and modernization of the entire building is estimated to cost $24.1 million and will include aesthetic improvements in addition to addressing all major building systems. In March 2019, the Board of Governors authorized App State to spend up to $2 million to fund the creation of preliminary building designs, a process known as advance planning. LS3P was selected as the designer.
In the FY 2021–22 biennial budget bill signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper on Nov. 18, 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly allocated $15 million in renovation support for Wey Hall — this includes $10 million for renovating facility systems and $5 million for making repairs to the building’s roof and exterior.
App State has received an additional $4 million in state-allocated funding for the project; this inflationary adjustment is part of the FY 2023–24 biennial budget bill. In December 2023, App State’s Board of Trustees authorized an additional $3.1 million in carry forward funds to support the project.
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.
Major current projects:
Major completed projects:
- Dining Facilities Renovations — Central 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