App State is planning to replace the recently demolished Broyhill Inn with an academic focused facility, according to Acting Chief of Staff Hank Foreman.

While it has not been determined what will be built in the Broyhill Inn’s place, Foreman said that it will be driven by the academic need and mission of the university.

The new facility will be part of the millennial campus and will make use of public/private partnerships, also known as P3.

P3 projects allow App State to construct university buildings through private contractors who then lease them out to the school.

Student Government Association President Jalyn Howard, while not against these partnerships completely, said he is concerned with whether or not these contractors care about the best interest of students or if they’re “just worried about filling beds.”

“When we do do this,” Howard said. “are we doing what’s best for students and getting the best quality for students?”

Howard said he sees the appeal of P3 from a cost perspective but feels that the university needs to be sure it’s making the right decision for students, not just the bottom line.

Foreman said any partnerships would be driven by academic need.

“Some of the things that get confused,” Foreman said. “Is that a public/private partnership and privatization are two different things in most settings, so I think ours would be looking for partners who can provide revenue through either leasing or those kind of things that are connected to that academic endeavor.”

Foreman also said that they would not be working with random partners and there are many options for the process.

Leasing opportunities, according to Foreman, would be a revenue stream for the university.

Foreman also mentioned the possibility of a facility in the place of Broyhill Inn as something that might allow better community access due to ease of accessible parking in the area.

Story by: Ben Sessoms, News Reporter