Construction continues on Hillel's new abode

Just a year ago, the space on 39th Street between Locust Walk and Walnut Street was just a parking lot. Today, much of the major work has been completed on Hillel's future home, Steinhardt Hall.

The majority of the construction should be completed by the end of May and the facility is scheduled to be open for student use by the start of the next academic year, according to Rabbi Howard Alpert, executive director of Hillel of Greater Philadelphia.

However, the project is still lacking some of the necessary funding -- though Alpert said that it is not a major issue.

"We still have to raise funds," Alpert said, but added, "It's not going to keep us from opening the building on time."

As of last fall, just over $9 million had been raised to cover the $12 million cost.

"We have a little more than that now, and we still have a couple of million to raise to meet our goal," Alpert said.

A large portion of the money was a donation from Penn alumnus and financier Michael Steinhardt, who put up $2.5 million as a naming gift in May 2001. The gift helped move construction on the project forward, which had remained in the planning and fundraising stages for several years.

But the construction that began late last spring is now progressing ahead of schedule, according to Penn Hillel Director Jeremy Brochin.

Jacobs/Wyper Architects of Philadelphia provided the designs for Steinhardt while R.M. Shoemaker Co. and the Staubach Company have overseen the construction. The project is being financed by Commonwealth Bank.

Alpert said he hopes the new space will help foster a sense of community not only among Jewish students, but also for the rest of the campus.

The planned large panel windows, patio space and coffee bar are among the many elements that should create a feeling of integration.

"It's not meant to be the Jewish fortress on Penn's campus," Alpert said.

Steinhardt Hall will provide space for the 27 student groups affiliated with Hillel as well as a sanctuary and a Judaic library. It will also house administrative offices, lounge space and the University's Kosher Dining, replacing Irv's Place, currently at 4051 Irving Street.

When completed, the roughly 36,000-square-foot facility will nearly double the current amount of space that Hillel and Irv's Place provide combined.

Student groups outside of the Jewish community will also be able to reserve space in Steinhardt Hall when it is complete, and Alpert said that Hillel will be working with Muslim community leaders and the University to try to make the food served halal as well as kosher.

"We expect thousands, literally, to use the space," Brochin said.

Hillel's current building, located at 202 S. 36th Street, provides only 10,000 square feet of space, which officials said was not enough. The building was last expanded in 1984.

An official opening ceremony for Steinhardt Hall is being planned in conjunction with the University's Family Weekend in October.

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