Future plans for Palladium space not set

The Palladium's 20 years in the historic location on the corner of 36th and Locust Walk will come to an end next Friday. However, the University has yet to release specific plans for the space -- despite the announcement last May that the Palladium's lease would not be extended beyond the end of this past semester.

"It's a terrific property, in a premier location on Penn's campus," Director of External Affairs for the Office of the Executive Vice President Tony Sorrentino wrote in an e-mail statement.

"No decision has been finalized on the next use of the restaurant space," he continued. "University officials are in research mode, studying different approaches."

In January, Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate Services Omar Blaik told the Daily Pennsylvanian that "some sort of cafe operation" was likely to be installed in the space. However, the University now says that this is only one of several options.

One of these options -- according to Palladium owner Roger Harmon -- may be for the University to open another establishment with a liquor license.

"Now they're thinking of putting a bar in here," Harmon said. "Well, typical University -- that was the excuse for kicking us out."

Sorrentino, however, did not specify what options the University is considering.

"The final decision [for the space] will have to fit with the University's master plan, which serves [as] a guideline for maximizing the buildings on campus to meet their highest and best use," he wrote.

"I think the commercial areas are going to stay commercial," Sorrentino added, noting that the offices above the Palladium and Gold Standard Spaces are "secure" but not likely to be expanded into the restaurant space.

While the future of the Palladium's space may itself be a point of speculation, the Palladium's owners -- with a new restaurant set to open in several weeks -- already have plans.

"I'm really looking forward to the future," Harmon said.

"I mean [the closing] is sad, but I feel like I've been a student all my life," he said. "When I realized the undergraduates coming here weren't even conceived when we opened, I thought OK it's time to move on."

Before moving on, however, the Palladium will offer drink specials throughout its last week and a closing night party -- where Harmon expects 300 people or more -- with a performance by folk-rock musician and Palladium bartender Kenn Kweder on Friday.

The restaurant's bar itself -- which was custom designed to match the carvings on the Palladium walls -- will come with Harmon to his new restaurant.

Yet, the lighting and music and styles -- along with what Harmon terms the Palladium's "eclectic and out there menu" -- will come to an end when the Palldium does.

According to Harmon, his new venture will be a "different kind of place." Located at 47th and Washington streets, Abbraccio will be a family-style Italian restaurant.

"It's going to be a lot more informal, a neighborhood restaurant," Harmon said. "Although we will continue to do some catering on campus."

Harmon reported that business has been good in the Palladium's last days.

"People have been very, very nice," he said. "I just want to say thank you to everyone and I hope people will find their way to our new place."

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