Appalachian State University Employee Housing Project: A Vision for Sustainable, Affordable Living

Appalachian State University is implementing a new initiative to address a critical need in the region—affordable housing for faculty and staff. The new Employee Housing Project, part of the first phase of the university’s Innovation District, will provide attainably priced housing for App State’s employees while supporting the university’s overarching goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and creating a model for sustainability in higher education and beyond.

A Sustainable, Net-Zero Vision

The housing development is designed to be fully integrated into the university’s Innovation District, a forward-thinking area set to become a hub of sustainable living and learning. The district will be powered by a zero-carbon district energy system that is part of App State’s broader effort to transition the Boone campus away from its traditional reliance on steam power.

The Innovation District will feature state-of-the-art energy solutions, such as wind turbines, solar power, geothermal heating and cooling, and a flexible, modular system designed to accommodate emerging technologies as the district grows. This energy system is not only designed to minimize the district’s environmental footprint but to also generate as much energy as it consumes, establishing a net-zero carbon footprint. The university aims to set an example for how educational institutions can lead the way in sustainable development while fostering regional economic growth.

Building a Better Future for Boone and Beyond

Expected to be operational by 2026, the Appalachian State Innovation District will be home to a wide range of facilities, including the Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research and the faculty and staff housing development. The housing community will provide a variety of units, offering App State employees the opportunity to live in an energy-efficient, sustainable, and affordable environment while also living within walking distance of their career sites. 

The Innovation District aims to encourage collaboration among communities, bringing together university expertise, local partnerships, and cutting-edge research to address some of today’s most pressing challenges.

Impact on the Region

The Appalachian State Employee Housing Project and the broader Innovation District initiative are expected to have a transformative impact on the local economy. By developing sustainable housing and promoting green energy solutions, App State is helping to foster economic development across northwestern North Carolina. The project will create opportunities for local businesses, contractors, and workers, while also expanding App State’s role as a leader in renewable energy, workforce development, and community engagement.

PROJECT TEAM:

Client: Harrison Street Real Estate

Architect: Nelson Worldwide

General Contractor: WeaverCooke Construction

To learn more about this project, click here.