Appalachian State University – The Innovation District

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Appalachian State University – The Innovation District

Boone, NC

Appalachian State University – The Innovation District

Location: Boone, NC
Units: 156
Square Footage: 230,000

Appalachian State University (“App State”), a member of the University of North Carolina System, has embarked on an ambitious mission to create The Innovation District at the main campus in Boone. The District will encompass cross-disciplinary facilities for academics, research, housing, and sustainable energy. The multi-phase initiative will elevate App State’s academic and applied research capacities, making it a more accessible partner to industry and the community. It is expected to have a lasting impact on the entire region, broadening economic development opportunities across northwestern North Carolina. Radnor was selected as master developer in early 2022.

The first phase is comprised of three components: (1) an interdisciplinary research facility totaling 55,000 SF; (2) faculty & staff housing totaling 156 units and 175,000 SF; and (3) a carbon-zero district energy system that will begin to transition campus away from steam power. Radnor and JV partner Harrison Street will deliver the housing and district energy system through a public-private partnership (P3) model. Radnor will also manage the development of the state-funded research facility on behalf of the university. The first phase will be delivered ahead of the Fall 2025 semester.