The Occupational Therapy Department will soon be moving from Raymond Hall to the Fine Arts Garage and Boilerhouse.

Renovations will begin on the Boilerhouse in June of 2022 with anticipated completion of the project by July of 2023. Construction costs for the project are estimated at $7 million.

The renovated location will offer Occupational Therapy-specific classrooms, an OT research and innovation lab and study rooms. Also included in the plans are the addition of research laptops, 3D printers and a driving simulator.

“I am excited because it will be a state-of-the-art space for our Occupational Therapy students,” said Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Amy Hudkins. “Plus we will be more closely connected to the center of campus.”

The OT Department is currently the only academic program housed in Raymond Hall.

“It will be beneficial to have access to equipment and extra space in preparation for our careers after our education,” said sophomore Occupational Therapy major Koral Esposit.

Hudkins said moving the department to the new “OT Building” will afford students in the program more “interprofessional opportunities” with students in other health science disciplines, including Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy and Nursing.

The relocation of the Occupational Therapy Department to the Boilerhouse was made possible due to the upcoming move of the Fine Arts Department into the Connors Family Fine Arts Center.

Groundbreaking for the new Fine Arts Center will begin in July with an expected completion date of August of 2023.