This artist’s rendering depicts what App State’s Edwin Duncan Hall might look like once renovations to the building are complete. 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.
The renovated building will include offices for the deans and chairs of App State’s College of Fine and Applied Arts and will house the Department of Communication.
![Edwin Duncan Hall exterior](../../../_images/vision/edwin-duncan-gal-1-32123-1800x1200.jpg)
This artist’s rendering depicts what App State’s Edwin Duncan Hall might look like once renovations to the building are complete. This image does not reflect the finalized renovation design. Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
![Edwin Duncan Hall exterior](../../../_images/vision/edwin-duncan-gal-2-32123-1800x1200.jpg)
This artist’s rendering shows what Edwin Duncan Hall might look like once the building’s renovations are complete. Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
![Edwin Duncan Hall exterior](../../../_images/vision/edwin-duncan-header-1800x1200.jpg)
App State’s Edwin Duncan Hall will undergo a nearly $27 million renovation, with construction slated to begin soon. Photo by Chase Reynolds
![Exterior demolition for Edwin Duncan Hall is underway](../../../_images/vision/edwin-duncan-062524-gal1-1800x1000.jpg)
![removal of parts of the concrete slab below the second-story Octagon portion of Edwin Duncan Hall](../../../_images/vision/edwin-duncan-062524-gal2-1800x1000.jpg)
![Interior demolition and abatement work continue for App State's Edwin Duncan Hall](../../../_images/vision/edwin-duncan-051724-1800x1200.jpg)
![a front view of App State's Edwin Duncan Hall, which is under renovation](../../../_images/vision/edwin-duncan-042524-1800x1200.jpg)
Status
App State selected McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the designer for the project, and Vannoy Construction, located in Jefferson, North Carolina, serves as the project’s construction manager. Preparation work for the project’s renovation began in June 2023 and construction is underway, having begun in late December 2023.
Interior demolition and abatement work are complete, and demolition of the building’s exterior, including adjacent sidewalks, is underway. New windows will be installed throughout Edwin Duncan Hall, with interior framing for the windows to begin in late June 2024. The new windows are scheduled to arrive in mid-July.
Additionally, footings have been dug for the expansion of the facility's existing electrical room, which is located below the second-story Octagon portion of the building. This expansion will allow for appropriate mechanical space, and sections of the concrete slab under the Octagon have been removed to allow for the installation of new water, sewer and electrical utilities, as well as fiber-optic cables. Footing work has also begun for the new elevator vestibule that will be built near the staircase entry area under the Octagon.
All parking in front of Edwin Duncan Hall and in the Octagon under the building is closed due to the construction. Two rows on the west side of the building closest to Peacock Lot will remain open. 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 will be accommodated in various academic buildings across App State’s Boone campus.
This renovation project is slated for completion in summer 2025.
How is it funded?
To date, App State has received $26.8 million in state-allocated funding for the renovation of Edwin Duncan Hall. Nearly $21 million in project support, which includes $800,000 reserved for HVAC and lighting improvements, was allocated to App State as part of the 2021–22 biennial budget bill. The university received an additional $6 million in support — an inflationary adjustment — for the project as part of the 2023–24 biennial budget bill.
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.
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