N.C. budget includes $54 million for Innovation District at Appalachian State

The recently approved state budget has funding for one of Appalachian State University's long-range projects, the planned Innovation District.

Budget writers included $54 million to transform the former Broyhill Inn and Conference Center.

One of the plans is a Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research. It will include classrooms, a nature preserve, and gardens. 

University officials say it will allow visitors a chance to learn about the biodiversity of the Southern Appalachian region and expand teaching and research opportunities for students.

“We are excited about the possibilities for our Innovation District, which has been included in the university's master planning process since 2016," Chancellor Sheri Everts says in a statement released by the university. "Since that time, numerous faculty and staff, with input from students and alumni, have worked to develop an ambitious vision that will have a lasting and powerful impact on the region."

The former Broyhill Center property has been designated as university space since 2015. The funding from the state will allow work on the Innovation District project to begin. 

University officials say the full project could take 10 years to complete.