The Appalachian State University Board of Trustees passed the Campus Master Plan Friday at the Broyhill Inn & Conference Center.

The Master Plan sets guidelines for university expansion, academic buildings and sustainability until 2020.

The plan includes various projects, which will be completed within the span of 10 years, depending on the individual project.

Within four years, the plan recommends to construct a 400-space parking garage behind the Holmes Convocation Center. In addition, it is recommended to build a 400-space Legends parking deck in the next five to nine years.

“With East campus growing, especially with the College of Education building being built, along with more activity on this side of campus, it would be nice to have additional parking,” Interim Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs Greg M. Lovins said.

Due to university growth, the plan recommends more residence halls to be built on East campus. Cone Residence Hall’s renovations will be completed by August 2010, but three additional residence halls will be built on the east side over the next 10 years.

“If the university continues to grow, we need a good plan otherwise we’re going to be really confused about where we need to go,” Thomas L. Kane, director of Housing and Residence Life said.

Additionally, Plemmons Student Union will be built upon to accommodate growth.

The plan recommends the university to continue to enhance the natural beauty of the campus by creating additional open space while investing and maintaining the areas that exist on campus today.

Areas include Durham Park, Sanford Mall, Chapel Wilson, Tomlinson Park, Duck Pond Field and the research institute.

“Students will appreciate the additional parking spots on campus, more residence halls, and an increase in flat green space,” Jonathan H. Meisner, Student Government Association president said.

Story: JULIANNE OLSON, Intern News Reporter