Innovation District | Building Physical Infrastructure | Appalachian’s Future

Innovation District | Building Physical Infrastructure | Appalachian’s Future
Innovation District
This aerial photo, taken March 3, 2026, shows the first development phase at App State's Innovation District on the Boone campus. Visible in the foreground is the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing community, construction for which is nearing completion, and the STEM Academic Building, also under construction, is shown at left center. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
This video provides an aerial view of App State’s Innovation District. The district is located at the site of the former Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on Bodenheimer Drive.
In Appalachian State University’s Innovation District
project, the term “district” refers to both physical space and collaborative
spirit.
About
This initiative will bring together expertise across disciplines and facilitate collaborations on campus and with the communities throughout the region, extending the university’s mission of teaching, research and service, preparing the workforce of today and building the workforce of tomorrow. The project is expected to have a lasting and powerful impact on the entire region, broadening economic development opportunities across Northwestern North Carolina.
The Innovation District is located at the site of the former Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on Bodenheimer Drive, at the edge of the neighboring
Nature Preserve
. The first academic building included in the project’s first phase of development is the
STEM Academic Building
, which will include cross-disciplinary collaboration and encourage K–12 partnerships.
Phase one of the project also includes:
The development of 156
faculty and staff housing units
managed by Capstone On-Campus Management and Radnor Property Group, which will help meet App State employees’ housing needs amid housing scarcity and cost inflation in Boone. The planned units consist of one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations in five multistory buildings.
district energy system
that will begin to transition campus away from steam power. App State has a long-established reputation as a leader in the renewable energy space, and the university is exploring renewable energy options that will establish a national example for resilient energy solutions.
Subsequent phases will include additional academic and partnership
spaces. Facilities under discussion include:
Spaces for research, teaching, and demonstration.
Workspaces for multidisciplinary projects.
Renewable energy labs.
Conference rooms.
Exhibition and studio spaces.
Housing.
The Innovation District will utilize expertise found in App State’s
Appalachian Energy Center
Center for Appalachian
Studies
Research
Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics
Transportation
Insight Center for Entrepreneurship
, and
Small Business and
Technology Development Center
This project is described in App State’s Master Plan 2025 as
“The
Broyhill Innovation District”
(page 87).
This artist’s rendering presents a view of what the initial phase of the Innovation District’s STEM Academic Building could look like, once completed. Note, designs for the building are still in development. Graphic courtesy of Lord Aeck Sargent
A conceptual rendering of an outdoor courtyard located between the multistory buildings that are under construction as faculty and staff housing at App State’s Innovation District. This housing is part of the district’s first phase of development. Graphic courtesy of Radnor Property Group
This artist's rendering depicts a design concept for faculty and staff housing at App State's Innovation District, as part of the project's Phase 1 development. Image courtesy of Radnor Property Group
Status
Construction work for the Innovation District’s first phase of development began in late July 2023, with the installation of erosion control fences and the removal of trees. App State’s targeted opening date for the district’s STEM Academic Building is August 2027, and the first building of the
Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing project
opened to residents on Aug. 16, 2025. The initial components of the district’s energy system — an underground geothermal heating and cooling system, along with two new wind turbines and ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels — became operational in summer 2025.
The Innovation Ridge housing project is nearing completion, with the remaining facilities scheduled to open to residents later this spring. Workers are applying finishing touches to the remaining facilities and installing additional landscaping and sidewalks in the courtyard area, as weather permits. Additionally, the STEM Academic Building is more than 45% finished, as of March 2026. Ongoing construction work for the facility includes exterior masonry work, as well as installation of underground utilities and the monumental staircase in the building’s lobby. Additionally, around 90% of the facility’s exterior sheathing is in place, roofing work is underway and interior framing is nearly finished.
In August 2021, the university hired design, architecture and engineering firm Page to provide master planning services for the Innovation District. Working closely with Brailsford & Dunlavey, the firm held three listening charrettes in fall 2021 with departments across campus to refine the development concept for the district, which was finalized in December 2021.
In late January 2022, the Innovation District Working Group met with two design firms that offered multiphased development concepts for an Innovation District energy system — a highly energy efficient system that will power the district’s buildings using renewable energy sources. This will not only lower the buildings’ environmental impact but also help make them more financially viable. Designers were also asked to include faculty and staff housing concepts as part of their proposals — as one way to help address housing shortages that affect App State’s ability to recruit and retain talented faculty and staff.
In July 2022, the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors approved the pre-development letter of intent for the district’s first phase, as well as App State’s pursuit of public-private partnerships (P3) agreements for the district’s housing and energy system components.
The university ceremoniously broke ground on the first phase of development for the Innovation District
— beginning with the
STEM Academic Building
— on March 25, 2022.
In January 2023, App State received the board’s approval to enter into a ground lease with nonprofit corporation Beyond Owners Group, which is developing 156 multifamily, multistory residential units on the Boone campus through its partner firms. App State also received the board’s approval to enter into an agreement with Harrison Street Real Estate LLC, which is constructing and will operate the Innovation District’s energy system. This system will generate and distribute energy to support the district’s planned Phase 1 buildings, including the STEM Academic Building and faculty and staff housing.
App State entered into a P3 agreement with Radnor Property Group and Harrison Street
in September 2023 for the development of the district’s faculty and staff housing. Under this partnership, Radnor and Harrison Street are financing the housing project, and financing will be delivered under a 501c3 ownership structure to enhance affordability.
Construction work continues for App State’s STEM Academic Building, as shown in this aerial image, taken March 3, 2026. App State’s targeted opening date for the facility, which is part of the university’s Innovation District, is August 2027. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction work is nearing completion for the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing community at App State’s Innovation District, as shown in this aerial photo, taken March 3, 2026. The first Innovation Ridge building opened to residents on Aug. 16, 2025, and the four remaining facilities are scheduled to come online in spring 2026. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction work continues for App State’s STEM Academic Building, as shown in this aerial image, taken March 3, 2026. App State’s targeted opening date for the facility, which is part of the university’s Innovation District, is August 2027. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
App State’s Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing community — construction for which is nearing completion — is shown in this aerial image, taken March 3, 2026. Also pictured, in front of and to the left of the housing facilities, are the ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels installed at the site as part of the district’s energy system. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle.
Construction work for the STEM Academic Building at App State's Innovation District is more than 40% finished, as of February 2026. This aerial image of the facility was taken Feb. 11, 2026. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction work continues for Phase 1 development at App State’s Innovation District, as shown in this aerial image, taken Feb. 11, 2026. The Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing community is pictured in the foreground, and the district’s STEM Academic Building and control building for the district’s energy system are visible in the background. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
An aerial image of construction progress for the first development phase at App State’s Innovation District, located on the Boone campus. Visible in the foreground of the image, taken Jan. 21, 2026, is the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing project, and shown at center, near the top of the image, are the STEM Academic Building and control building for the district’s energy system. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction of App State’s STEM Academic Building, located at the Innovation District, is more than 40% completed as of January 2026. This aerial photo, taken Jan. 21, 2026, shows exterior construction work underway for the facility. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction work continues for the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing facilities (foreground) and STEM Academic Building (near top left of image) located at App State's Innovation District on the Boone campus, as shown in this aerial image, which was taken Nov. 24, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Pictured on Nov. 24, 2025, App State's STEM Academic Building, part of the Phase 1 development at the university's Innovation District, is nearly 35% finished, as of November. Exterior work for the facility is shown in this aerial image. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction work continues for the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing facilities (foreground) and STEM Academic Building (near top left of image) located at App State's Innovation District on the Boone campus, as shown in this aerial image, which was taken Nov. 24, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
This aerial view of App State Innovation District, taken Nov. 5, 2025, shows construction progress for the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing facilities (foreground) and STEM Academic Building (near top left of image) — both components of the district’s Phase 1 development. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction continues for the STEM Academic Building at App State’s Innovation District, as shown in this image, taken Nov. 5, 2025. The facility is nearly 35% finished, as of November. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
An aerial view of the construction progress for Phase 1 development at App State's Innovation District, located on the Boone campus. Visible in this image, taken Oct. 21, 2025, are the district's faculty and staff housing facilities, the structural frame of the STEM Academic Building and the control building for the district’s energy system, as well as the three wind turbines that are part of the energy system. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
This aerial image, taken Oct. 21, 2025, shows the construction work underway for the STEM Academic Building (center) and faculty and staff housing facilities (right) at App State’s Innovation District, located on the Boone campus. The STEM Academic Building is slated for completion in 2027, and the first building of the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing project opened to residents on Aug. 16, 2025. The remaining four Innovation Ridge buildings are scheduled to come online in spring 2026. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
An overhead view of the STEM Academic Building at App State’s Innovation District, which is nearly 30% finished, as of October 2025. App State’s targeted opening date for the facility is 2027. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
An aerial view of App State’s Innovation District on the Boone campus, shown Sept. 2, 2025. Construction is underway for the district’s STEM Academic Building (shown at top center of image), and the control building for the district’s energy system is shown at the top right of the image. The first building of the site’s Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing project, shown at left, opened to residents on Aug. 16, 2025. The remaining four Innovation Ridge buildings are scheduled to come online in spring 2026. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
An aerial view of App State’s Innovation District on the Boone campus, shown Sept. 2, 2025. Construction is underway for the district’s STEM Academic Building (shown at center of image), and the control building for the district’s energy system is shown at right. The first building of the site’s Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing project, shown at bottom left of the image, opened to residents on Aug. 16, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
This aerial image, taken Sept. 2, 2025, shows the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing project at App State’s Innovation District. The first Innovation Ridge building, shown at right in the foreground, opened to residents on Aug. 16, 2025, and construction is nearing completion for the second Innovation Ridge building, shown at left in the foreground. Innovation Ridge, once completed, will consist of five multistory buildings housing 156 faculty and staff units that offer one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction progress for the STEM Academic Building — the first academic building of App State’s Innovation District — is shown in this aerial image, taken Sept. 2, 2025. As of September 2025, workers have installed about 50% of the facility’s structural steel. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
This aerial view of App State’s Innovation District, taken Aug. 19, 2025, shows the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing facilities at the site (top left), along with the control building for the district’s energy system (bottom left) and the future site of the district’s STEM Academic Building (center). Construction of the STEM Academic Building is underway and the facility is slated for completion in August 2027. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
One of the five facilities that compose the Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing community at App State’s Innovation District, located on the Boone campus. The first residents of Innovation Ridge moved into their residences on Aug. 16, 2025. This image was taken Aug. 19, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
An aerial view of construction work taking place for the STEM Academic Building at App State’s Innovation District, which was taken Aug. 19, 2025. Half of the building’s first-floor concrete slab has been poured and the installation of under-slab utilities is ongoing, in preparation for pouring the second half of the slab. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
A panoramic view of App State’s Innovation District, as of July 9, 2025. Development is underway for the district’s Phase 1 components — the STEM Academic Building, the faculty and staff housing facilities and the control building for the district’s energy system. App State’s targeted opening date for the district’s STEM Academic Building is 2026, with occupancy of the faculty and staff housing slated for fall 2025. The initial components of the district’s energy system were made fully operational in summer 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction continues for the faculty and staff housing facilities at App State's Innovation District, as shown in this July 9, 2025, photo. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Shown in this aerial photo, taken July 9, 2025, are the control building for the energy system that will power the facilities of App State's Innovation District (pictured at right), as well as construction work taking place for the district's STEM Academic Building (shown at left). Two of the district's three wind turbines are visible in the background. Photo by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle
Construction continues for the faculty and staff housing facilities at App State’s Innovation District, as shown in this aerial photo, taken June 11, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Kyla Willoughby
This aerial photo, taken June 11, 2025, shows the faculty and staff housing (far right) under construction as part of Phase 1 development at App State’s Innovation District, as well as the ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels that have been installed adjacent to the housing facilities, as part of the district’s energy system. Photo by Wes Craig and Kyla Willoughby
A view of the foundation work that is underway for the STEM Academic Building at App State’s Innovation District (shown at top center of the image). The District Energy Building, which will serve as the control center for the district’s energy system components, is visible at bottom right of the image. This image was taken June 11, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Kyla Willoughby
An aerial view of the faculty and staff housing facilities that are under construction as part of Phase 1 development at App State’s Innovation District, located on the Boone campus. This aerial photo was taken May 7, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
This panoramic view of App State’s Innovation District, taken May 7, 2025, shows the ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels that are being installed adjacent to the district’s faculty and staff housing facilities, which are under construction. Both components are part of Phase 1 development at the Innovation District. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
The future site of App State’s STEM Academic Building, located at the Innovation District on Bodenheimer Drive, on the university’s Boone campus. Foundation work for the facility began in late April 2025. This aerial photo was taken May 7, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Taken May 7, 2025, this photo offers a view of construction work taking place outside the District Energy System (DES) Building, which will serve as the control center for the district’s energy system. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
A panoramic view of the Innovation District at App State’s Boone campus, as of April 9, 2025. Shown at left are the faculty and staff housing facilities that are under construction as part of the district’s Phase 1 development, and visible at center, workers are beginning the installation of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels, which are a component of the district’s energy system. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Construction continues for the faculty and staff housing facilities at App State’s Innovation District, as shown in this April 9, 2025, photo. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Pictured April 9, 2025, workers install the frames that will support the ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels at App State’s Innovation District. These panels, along with a geothermal heating and cooling system and two new wind turbines, are part of the energy system that will power the district’s facilities. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
A panoramic view of App State's Innovation District, taken March 11, 2025. Construction continues for the district's first development phase, which includes a STEM Academic Building, faculty and staff housing and a district energy system that will power the district's facilities. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
This aerial image, taken March 11, 2025, shows the wind turbines located at App State's Innovation District, as well as the District Energy System (DES) Building, which will serve as the control center for the components of the district’s energy system. Shown at center and adjacent to the DES Building is the future site of the district's STEM Academic Building. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
An aerial view of construction progress for the faculty and staff housing facilities that are part of Phase 1 development at App State's Innovation District, located on the Boone campus. This image was taken March 11, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
A panoramic view of App State’s Innovation District, taken Feb. 6, 2025. The district’s faculty and staff housing facilities, shown at left, are under construction and slated for occupancy later this year. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Construction continues on schedule for the faculty and staff housing facilities at App State’s Innovation District, as shown in this Feb. 6, 2025, photo. The housing facilities, as well as a STEM Academic Building and a district energy system, are part of the district’s first development phase. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
The three windmills at App State’s Innovation District, located at the top of Bodenheimer Drive on the Boone campus, are shown in this aerial photo, taken Feb. 6, 2025. Pictured at center is the site’s original, 100 kW windmill that was installed in 2009, which is flanked by two new windmills that were installed in early 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
This aerial image, taken Jan. 17, 2025, shows a portion of the Innovation District site at App State's Boone campus, with the district's wind turbines and District Energy System Building visible at right and one of the faculty and staff housing facilities pictured in the bottom left corner of the image. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Construction progress for the faculty and staff housing facilities at App State's Innovation District is shown in this aerial photo, taken Jan. 17, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
An aerial view of the faculty and staff housing facilities under construction as part of Phase 1 development at App State's Innovation District. This photo was taken Jan. 17, 2025. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
This photo, taken in December 2024, shows construction progress for the faculty and staff housing facilities at App State’s Innovation District. This housing is part of the district’s Phase 1 development. Photo courtesy of App State Facilities Operations
A front view of the District Energy System Building, which is under construction as part of Phase 1 development at App State’s Innovation District. Photo courtesy of App State Facilities Operations
An aerial view of construction progress for the faculty and staff housing facilities at App State’s Innovation District, as of Nov. 18, 2024. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Construction work for one of two new wind turbines at App State’s Innovation District is shown in this aerial image, taken Nov. 18, 2024. The turbines are part of the energy system that, once completed, will power the district’s facilities with solar, wind and geothermal renewable energy technologies. App State’s Jim and Bettie Smith Baseball Stadium is visible at right. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Two new wind turbines are being installed at App State’s Innovation District, as part of the district’s energy system. This image offers a close-up view of one of the turbine bases. Photo courtesy of App State Facilities Operations
This aerial view shows construction progress for the first development phase at App State’s Innovation District, as of Nov. 18, 2024. Vertical construction of the district’s faculty and staff housing facilities is visible at center. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Installation of two new wind turbines has begun at App State’s Innovation District, as shown in this aerial photo, taken Nov. 18, 2024. The turbines are part of the energy system that, once completed, will power the district’s facilities with solar, wind and geothermal renewable energy technologies. The existing wind turbine located at App State’s Innovation District is visible at right. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Pictured Nov. 20, 2024, workers assemble one of two new wind turbines at App State’s Innovation District. The turbines are part of the energy system that, once completed, will power the district’s facilities. The system will feature solar, wind and geothermal renewable energy technologies. Photo by Troy Tuttle
A worker, left, is pictured next to the rotor blades of one of two new wind turbines that are being installed at the App State Innovation District, as part of the district’s energy system. The system, once completed, will feature solar, wind and geothermal renewable energy technologies that will power the district’s facilities. Photo by Troy Tuttle
Vertical construction is underway for the Phase 1 faculty and staff housing at App State's Innovation District site, as shown in this Sept. 10, 2024 photo. Photo by Wes Craig
A street-level view of the construction that is underway for Phase 1 faculty and staff housing at App State's Innovation District. This image was taken Sept. 11, 2024. Photo courtesy of App State Facilities and Operations
An aerial view of the Phase 1 construction progress at App State's Innovation District, as of Sept. 10, 2024. Photo by Wes Craig
This image, taken Sept. 11, 2024, shows the interior work taking place for the District Energy System Building at App State's Innovation District. Photo courtesy of App State Facilities and Operations
An aerial view of Phase 1 construction progress at App State's Innovation District, as of Aug. 13, 2024. Photo by Wes Craig
Foundation work for the multistory buildings that will house App State faculty/staff at the university's Innovation District — part of the district's Phase 1 development — is shown in this July 2024 aerial photo. Photo submitted
This panoramic photo, taken July 15, 2024, shows the construction progress for the first phase of development at App State's Innovation District. The control building for the district’s energy system, which is under construction as part of Phase 1 development, is visible near the top center of the image. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Phase 1 construction work at App State's Innovation District progresses on schedule, as shown in this aerial image taken June 19, 2024. The control building for the district’s energy system — part of the district's first development phase — is shown at right in the image. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
A panoramic view of the Phase 1 construction progress at App State's Innovation District, as of June 19, 2024. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Construction work is underway for the Innovation District's energy system control building, as shown in this June 19, 2024, photo. Workers are pictured installing roofing panels to the building. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Phase 1 construction progress at App State's Innovation District is shown in this aerial photo, taken May 16, 2024. The steel structural frame for the district's energy system control building is visible at right. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
A panoramic view of the Phase 1 construction work taking place at App State's Innovation District, located at the top of Bodenheimer Drive on the Boone campus. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
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The structural steel frame is in place for the control building for the district’s energy system, as shown in this May, 16, 2024, photo. Work to apply the exterior of the building will soon begin. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Workers are shown installing framing for the energy system control building at App State’s Innovation District in this photo, taken April 25, 2024. Appalachian State University photo
Construction is underway for the energy system control building at App State's Innovation District, as shown in this aerial photo, taken April 23, 2024. The foundation for the building has been set, and workers are pictured installing underground utilities for the building. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Construction progress for the first phase of development at App State's Innovation District is shown in this aerial photo, taken April 23, 2024. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
A panoramic view of Phase 1 construction progress at App State's Innovation District, as of March 12, 2024. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
This aerial image, taken Feb. 20, 2024, shows Phase 1 construction progress at the site of App State's Innovation District, located at the top of Bodenheimer Drive. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Phase 1 construction progress at App State’s Innovation District, as of Jan. 30, 2024. Recent construction work at the site includes the drilling of geothermal wells, which is nearly 90% complete, as well as the installation of site utilities. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
An aerial view of the construction progress on Phase 1 development at App State's Innovation District, as of Dec. 6, 2023. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
The construction progress on Phase 1 of App State's Innovation District, as of Nov. 30, 2023. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
This aerial photo, taken Nov. 30, 2023, shows the construction progress on Phase 1 development of App State's Innovation District. More than 50% of the construction access road connecting Homespun Hills Road to Bodenheimer Drive has been installed and paved. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
This aerial photo, taken Oct. 26, 2023, shows the construction progress on the first phase of development for App State’s Innovation District. The project’s Phase 1 components — the STEM Academic Building, faculty and staff housing and a energy system — are slated for completion in 2025 (housing and energy system) and 2026 (STEM building). Photo by Wes Craig
Construction progress on the first phase of development for App State’s Innovation District is shown in this aerial photo, taken Sept. 28, 2023. The three components of Phase 1 — the STEM Academic Building, 156 units of faculty and staff housing and the district’s energy system — are slated for completion in 2025 (housing and energy system) and 2026 (STEM building). Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri
Everts, third from right, is joined by members of
the North Carolina General Assembly for the
Innovation District groundbreaking ceremony, held
March 25 at the top of Bodenheimer Drive. Pictured
with Everts, from left to right, are Rep. Kelly
Hastings, Rep. Jason Saine, Sen. Ralph Hise, Sen.
Deanna Ballard and Rep. Ray Pickett. Photo by Chase
Reynolds
Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri
Everts, center, is joined by local and state
government officials for the Innovation District
groundbreaking ceremony, held March 25 at the top of
Bodenheimer Drive. Pictured with Everts, from left
to right, are Boone Mayor Pro Tem Edie Tugman, Boone
Town Council Member Becca Nenow, Boone Mayor Tim
Futrelle, Rep. Ray Pickett, Watauga County Board of
Commissioners Chair John Welch, Blowing Rock Council
Member Melissa Pickett, Watauga County Manager Deron
Geouque and Sen. Deanna Ballard. Photo by Chase
Reynolds
Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri
Everts, center, is joined by University of North
Carolina Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers,
fourth from right, and members of App State’s Board
of Trustees for the Innovation District
groundbreaking ceremony, held March 25 at the top of
Bodenheimer Drive. Pictured, from left to right, are
trustees Jeff Chesson, Scott Lampe, John Blackburn,
Vice Chair Mark Ricks, Chair Kimberly Shepherd,
James Reaves, Tommy Sofield and Jimmy Barnes. Photo
by Chase Reynolds
Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri Everts
speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for App
State’s Innovation District, held March 25 on top of
Bodenheimer Drive. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri
Everts, far left, delivers remarks at App State’s
March 25 groundbreaking ceremony for the Innovation
District project, located on top of Bodenheimer
Drive. More than 75 members of the App State
Community and town, county and state government
attended the event. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Appalachian State University leadership and faculty
break ground on the university’s Innovation District
project, located on top of Bodenheimer Drive.
Pictured during the March 25 ceremony, from left to
right, are Geroge Baldwin, executive director for
corporate and foundation relations; Dr. Lee Ball,
chief sustainability officer; J.J. Brown, vice
chancellor of student affairs; Dr. Neva Specht, vice
provost for faculty policies and development; Dr.
Heather Hulburt Norris, provost and executive vice
chancellor; Chancellor Sheri Everts; Dr. Zach
Murrell, professor in and chair of App State’s
Department of Biology; Hank Foreman, chief of staff
and vice chancellor of external affairs and
strategic initiatives; Dr. Michael Madritch, interim
dean of App State’s College of Arts and Sciences;
and Jane Barghothi, vice chancellor of university
advancement. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Pictured March 25, Appalachian State University
Chancellor Sheri Everts, center, App State
Foundation Board of Directors Chair Jeannine
Underdown Collins, left, and Foundation Board of
Directors member Bo Henderson take part in the
ceremonious groundbreaking for the university’s
Innovation District project, located on top of
Bodenheimer Drive. Photo by Chase Reynolds
This aerial photo, taken June 13, 2022, shows the future home of App State’s Innovation District project. The site is located atop Bodenheimer Drive. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds
How is it funded?
The Bodenheimer Drive property has been designated as
millennial
campus space
since 2015. This gives App State the
flexibility to develop the property with private sector firms, issue
bonds or lease the space.
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 $54 million in non-recurring funds to begin work on the Innovation District project, beginning with the STEM Academic Building. App State’s Board of Trustees authorized an additional $7.5 million in funding for the facility project at its March 24, 2023, meeting, to allow room for any potential inflationary adjustments. The additional funding was approved by the UNC System Board of Governors during the board’s April 2023 meeting.
The district’s faculty and staff housing and energy
system are supported through
public-private partnerships (P3)
that do not rely upon state funds, or any capital from the university.
Who will benefit?
Students who will become tomorrow’s solution-makers, as well as the
community, state, region and beyond who are served by the increased
student engagement with research, creativity, innovation, design
thinking and entrepreneurship.
How does it support UNC System Goals and
Metrics?
App State can produce more graduates in the critical workforce areas
for North Carolina — identified in the UNC System’s strategic plan
as STEM, health sciences, K-12 education and emerging workforce
areas — who are capable of addressing the needs of the world.
Appalachian's Innovation District
Video Transcript
Voiceover:
In 1899, the misty ridges of
Northwestern North Carolina became home to a simple, yet
powerful vision: to transform lives and the region through the
empowerment of education. Nearly 125 years later, students still
feel the pull of this unique place, and Appalachian State
University remains grounded in the vision of our founders,
providing rural access to a sterling education and serving the
region.
As the University of North Carolina System continues to expand
signature educational opportunities in Western North Carolina,
Appalachian’s contribution to this effort is an Innovation
District, which will enhance curriculum while delivering a
profound impact on the region’s economic development.
Located at the edge of a 65-acre nature preserve, the Innovation
District will provide a vital link between the university and
the regional community through education, research and outreach.
As the Innovation District develops, it will provide a vital and
dynamic space where students and faculty will work together with
industry partners in specialized areas that capitalize on App
State’s strengths and regional identity. Collaborations across
colleges and disciplines will prepare students for career
progression in a dynamic work environment.
Nearly 125 years after B.B., D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty set
forth on their ambitious plan, App State’s pioneering vision is
bolder than ever.
Related Links:
Radnor Property Group and Harrison Street Form Public-Private Partnership with Appalachian State University
App State breaks ground on Innovation District project — 'the potential is limitless'
Campus Construction Projects
State Funding Support
Master Plan
Glossary
Parking and Transportation Messages
Major current projects:
App State Hickory Campus
Innovation District
STEM Academic Building — Innovation District
Faculty/Staff Housing — Innovation District
Innovation District Energy System
Peacock Hall Addition and Renovation
Edwin Duncan Hall Renovation
Appalachian 105 Student Housing
Appalachian 105 Sports Complex
Sofield Family Indoor Practice Facility
Campus Dining Master Plan
Arts Corridor
Boone Creek Daylighting
Major completed projects:
Wey Hall Renovation
Holmes Drive Parking Deck
Rivers Street Tunnels Upgrade
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
State support for capital improvements at App State
Appalachian State University has received nearly
$200 million in state-allocated funding
through NC’s 2021–2023 and 2023–2025 biennial budget bills in support of university capital improvement projects. These projects include the App State Hickory campus, as well as the Innovation District and the Peacock Hall, Wey Hall and Edwin Duncan Hall renovations.
Learn more about state support for App State capital improvement projects
New for fall 2025: Innovation Ridge faculty and staff housing
Innovation Ridge, part of
App State’s Innovation District
, offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, including an option for a private keyed individual bedroom within shared apartments — providing a balance of personal space and community living in a pet-friendly environment. Innovation Ridge is managed by Capstone On-Campus Management and Radnor Property Group.
Learn about Innovation Ridge at App State
Phase 1 Overview
This conceptual rendering provides an overview of App State’s Innovation District. Shown are the locations of the district’s Phase 1 components — the STEM Academic Building, the faculty and staff housing facilities and the control building for the district’s energy system. The initial renewable energy technologies that will be included in the energy system are solar photovoltaic panels, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and two wind turbines. Graphic courtesy of Lord Aeck Sargent
An aerial view of areas receiving millennial campus designation at Appalachian State University. Video by Marie Freeman
App State’s Future