This summer, the construction of the new physical treatment area in the John W. Hart Building will be finished and ready for fall classes.
“We have been doing phases of construction in this building since 2019 and we are on our last phase,” said Construction Projects Manager Neihlee Muir. “After we do our roofing project this summer, we will be done for a minute.”
The anticipated completion date of the physical treatment area is the middle of July. The only thing left is to install furniture and then the space will be open for classes in the fall semester. This is the last project to be completed in the Hart Building for the foreseeable future.
The building was built in 1969 and prior to this renovation, this area was used as an athletic training room. However, it was a lot smaller and not very well organized.
“They had a lot of makeshift things they had to use,” Muir said.
The physical treatment area is where they provide sports first aid. This space also provides teaching opportunities for students who are going into sports medicine. The renovations will provide a better learning atmosphere for the students in these programs.
“It will be a brighter, cleaner, modern space rather than just being underneath the stadium or the seats,” said Facilities Maintenance and Operations Director Sam Merrick.
The renovations include a reception area, individual rooms for privacy, an office space for management, a room for an ice bath and a large open area that will have beds where people can be taped, iced and treated for their injuries. This new renovation also includes countertops and a refrigerator.
Muir explained why the renovations in the Hart Building have been so important.
“As technology progresses we need to be able to keep up with the industry so we can provide good learning experiences for the students,” Muir said.