WOU in Salem – A Purpose-Built Space for Excellence

Western Oregon University made history with the launch of its first-ever doctoral program in Occupational Therapy. With no space available on its Monmouth campus, the University sought a new location in Salem to better serve the needs of graduate students commuting from rural communities. The Vick Building, a 40,000 square foot historic former steam tractor dealership building in downtown Salem, was selected as the site.

The challenge was clear: how to transform basic office space in a historic building into an exciting, modern, functional academic space – in less than a year, while meeting the University’s budgetary and quality goals.

Ausland Group was engaged for the design-build remodel of the Vick Building. To meet the ambitious timeline, Ausland accelerated programming (determining what goes where), design, and regulatory approvals. This enabled construction to commence within just five months. By serving as a single point of contact, Ausland ensured streamlined communication between the entire team and efficient decision-making. Regular constructability and value engineering reviews throughout the design phase allowed for flexibility and creativity of the design while keeping the project schedule and budget on track.

Completed in time for the fall term, the remodeled space utilizes the tall ceilings and open floor spans to its advantage. The sensory lab includes an array of apparatuses hanging from the ceiling.  The remodel also provides modern technology for a fast paced and changing educational landscape, boasting two digital cadaver tables and an OT lab that provides the ideal environment for hands-on learning. WOU’s new doctoral Occupational Therapy teaching program is state of the art, while also being completed economically and efficiently built. Fast project delivery does not have to break your budget, it just takes the right team.

This project serves as a beacon in the Salem community, reflecting the University’s mission to expand access to higher education and support the transformative field of Occupational Therapy.