Rockwell Hall, which houses the majority of the fashion program, is under construction. The fashion program is considered by industry organizations to be one of the best in the world.

Now, they’re trying to live up to that name by giving Rockwell a refresh.

Renovations have been underway in the building for roughly nine months, according to Mourad Krifa, associate professor and interim director of the School of Fashion. The plans are divided into two phases with a total budget of $7.3 million.

The building, originally constructed in 1928, was previously expanded in 1958 and 1990, according to the University Architect’s website. It currently stands at 104,000 square feet, a space the school has outgrown.

Krifa said this will help the program “get the real estate that matches and fits our status as a leading program in the nation.”

The plans currently stand at phase one, which he described as a “reconfiguration of the current space.”

This phase called for interior renovations on the first and second floors of the building. The fashion library will be moved to a second floor spot connected to the atrium.

It is a move that will put “the fashion process on display for students and non-majors that are in the building,” Jay Graham, executive director of the Office of the University Architect, said.

Another big change is putting two fashion labs “front and center” on the first floor, Krifa said.

Phase two, an approximately 25,000-square-foot expansion, is currently in the fundraising and design stage.

This new addition will allow studio spaces currently in the M.A.C. Annex to be moved back to Rockwell. The studio spaces were located in Terrace Hall until the building was demolished.

Krifa described enrollment growth in the fashion program as strong and sustained. Current enrollment stands at more than 1,500 total students.

“I think we have a significant role to play in developing economic prosperity and prospects for the region and changing the conversation when it comes to the fashion industry,” he said.

As for the future, Krifa said students and faculty are looking forward to the changes.

“Everybody we talk to is really excited about the prospects of having, again, real estate that fits the school’s status and the school’s size,” he said.

While Krifa said the extensive construction has brought its challenges, especially in terms of navigating the building, “the inconvenience is worth the ultimate goal.”

The ultimate goal of adding new life to Rockwell, one nail at a time.

Jacob Brooks is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].