Appalachian State University, a member of the University of North Carolina System, has embarked on an ambitious effort to develop an Innovation District. The District, located on their campus in Boone, North Carolina, will encompass spaces for academics, research, and housing. The mixed-use development will elevate the University’s academic and applied research capacities making it a more accessible partner to industry and the community.

The first phase of the District is comprised of three components; a 55,000 SF interdisciplinary research facility, 156 units of faculty & staff housing totaling 175,000 SF, and a carbon-zero district energy system. Radnor serves as the master developer of the first phase of the District. In a joint venture partnership, Harrison Street and Radnor will deliver the housing and district energy system using a public private partnership structure. Radnor will manage the state funded research facility development on behalf of the university. The project is projected to be delivered for the Fall Semester of 2025.