This artist’s rendering depicts what App State’s Edwin Duncan Hall might look like once renovations to the building are completed. This image does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Click on the image for a full view. Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
The Edwin Duncan Hall renovation 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, faculty, staff and academics.
About
The planned renovation of Edwin Duncan Hall includes adding and refurbishing elevators, making repairs to the building’s exterior, installing a new sprinkler system and completely revamping the facility’s HVAC system.
Constructed in 1965, Edwin Duncan Hall contains office space, classrooms and labs and has undergone numerous, small renovations over the years. The nearly 98,000-square-foot facility will be completely gutted as part of the renovation, with a goal of improving and adapting the space to current and future programming needs — which includes offering more technologically advanced classrooms and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) laboratories.
This artist’s rendering depicts what App State’s Edwin Duncan Hall might look like once renovations to the building are completed. This image does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
This artist’s rendering shows what Edwin Duncan Hall might look like once the building’s renovations are completed. Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
App State’s Edwin Duncan Hall is undergoing a nearly $27 million renovation, which is slated for completion in fall 2025. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Status
Preparation work for the Edwin Duncan Hall renovation began in June 2023 and construction is underway, having begun in late December 2023. The renovation project is nearly 50% finished as of April 2025 and is slated for completion in fall 2025. The project experienced a 30-day schedule setback due to Hurricane Helene, which hit the Boone area on Sept. 27, 2024.
Interior work, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing work, and structural repairs for the building are ongoing, and drywall is being installed, as permitted. Additionally, in-wall and overhead inspections continue, and construction work for the Octagon portion of the facility is scheduled to begin toward the end of the spring semester. Work is also underway to shift Edwin Duncan Hall’s main entrance to the northwest end of the building, near the adjacent Peacock Parking Lot. Retaining wall repair work near the building’s Octagon was completed over the university’s 2024 winter break.
All parking in front of Edwin Duncan Hall and in the Octagon space under the building is closed due to the construction. Two rows on the west side of the building closest to the Peacock Lot will remain open. Several spaces in front of Rankin Hall will also remain open, as will access to the Varsity Gym loading area facing Rankin Hall. View a map of the parking area near Edwin Duncan Hall.
Swing office space has been made available in East Hall for Edwin Duncan Hall faculty and staff displaced by the renovation. Classes and labs for the 2024–25 academic year are being accommodated in various academic buildings across App State’s Boone campus. Certain classes that were held in Wey Hall, which is also undergoing renovation, are being held in the second-level Edwin Duncan Hall Octagon, which was prepared for occupancy in August 2024. Thanks to the quick work of App State’s Facility Operations, Department of Art and Information Technology Services, as well as Vannoy Construction, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture and engineering firm Salas O’Brien, the Edwin Duncan Hall Octagon was made ready for students returning for the fall 2024 semester.
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the designer for the project, and Vannoy Construction, located in Jefferson, North Carolina, serves as the project’s construction manager.
How is it funded?
To date, App State has received $26.7 million in funding for the renovation of Edwin Duncan Hall, which includes $20 million in state-allocated support as part of the 2021–22 biennial budget bill, as well as an additional $6 million in support — an inflationary adjustment — as part of the 2023–24 biennial budget bill.
At its January 2025 meeting, the UNC System Board of Governors approved an additional $700,000 in funding for the project — to be supported through the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund and App State carry forward funds. This additional funding supports a change in scope for the project that includes converting three large general education classrooms into six STEM labs.
Who will benefit?
App State students, faculty, staff are set to benefit from the Edwin Duncan Hall 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?
Providing the best environment for teaching and learning can impact recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff.
- Campus Construction Projects
- State Funding Support
- Master Plan
- Glossary
- Parking and Transportation Messages
Major current projects:
Major completed projects:
- Holmes Drive Parking Deck
- 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