 The First Presbyterian Church of Boone on East Howard Street is the newest acquisition of Appalachian State University. The church, along with other areas of Howard Street, will be included in a possible revised proposal of the master plan in September. Photo by Rachel Noel
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by NASH DUNN
Intern News Reporter
Slicing through the outskirts of Appalachian State University’s east campus, East Howard Street runs only feet from major university institutions such as Legends, Plemmons Student Union and Miles Annas Student Support Building.
With Appalachian planning to expand by 50 students a year over the next 10 years, the neighboring street is beginning to appear as a logical expansion area to campus leaders.
After the recent university acquisition of two East Howard Street locations, First Presbyterian Church of Boone and Dixie Cleaners, campus leaders are hopeful even more buildings turn a shade of black and gold.
Cindy A. Wallace,
vice chancellor of Student Development, feels East Howard Street
provides numerous benefits to the university because of its proximity
to campus.
“That
street is the only natural place to go,” Wallace said. “We want to stay
within a footprint of campus and it’s so close to everything.”
Because
the current university master plan does not specifically address East
Howard Street expansion, no definite plans have been approved.
In
September, campus leaders hope to present a revised university master
plan to the Appalachian Board of Trustees that will last until 2020.
The revised plan will include future plans for East Howard Street
growth, including specific areas of interest.
Greg
Lovins, interim vice chancellor of Business Affairs, feels the
completion and approval of a new plan is the key to future expansion on
East Howard Street.
Lovins
also said future expansion on East Howard Street may utilize mixed-use
development, meaning buildings may contain both residential and retail
components.
By utilizing this, Appalachian could grow in new areas and the Town of Boone would be permitted to tax the buildings.
The most
recent step toward East Howard Street expansion came in June 2008 when
Appalachian acquired the First Presbyterian Church of Boone.
Purchasing
the property for $7.5 million, Appalachian now owns church parking
lots, education buildings and the sanctuary. Church leaders are in the
process of acquiring new land, and were given a deadline by the
university to be moved by June 31, 2011.
Although
no definite plans for church renovations have been made, Wallace
believes it would be more beneficial to not tear it down because of
sustainability and cost. She said the building could possibly become a
residential facility, as well as an education building.
“The church can be salvaged,” Wallace said. “There have even been talks about turning the sanctuary into a lecture hall.”
Photo by Rachel Noel | The Appalachian
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