Rodin living out of boxes as Eisenlohr is renovated

While most freshmen have unpacked their boxes and are now settled in their new homes, University President Judith Rodin has yet to spend a night at Eisenlohr Hall, the traditional home of the University's top official. And according to Vice President for Facilities Arthur Gravina, Rodin may not move into the mansion at 3812 Walnut Street until late fall. Rodin's move-in day depends on when renovations and repairs to Eisenlohr are completed. That could be as late as "early spring," said Interim Executive Vice President Jack Freeman. It is "hard to predict [when it will be finished]," Freeman said yesterday. In the meantime, Rodin and her family are living out of boxes in a rented home located at 21st and Delancy streets. Rodin herself is paying the rent and other costs associated with the temporary housing. "We're living in a small space," she said yesterday. "We're sharing bathrooms and we have stuff in storage. It's just crazy right now." Eisenlohr has not been physically updated since former University President Sheldon Hackney moved into the residence in 1981. In mid-August, the University hired Unkefer Brothers of Philadelphia to complete the project, which will cost more than $800,000. The project originally was slated to cost more than $1 million, Freeman said, but Rodin decided to cut back on certain "extras," such as the building of a back staircase for private use. "When we saw the price, I immediately vetoed it," Rodin said. "Everyone would have their fantasy but I'm not going to have anything redone unnecessarily." According to Gravina, the heating and cooling system of the house need a complete overhaul, including pipe removal and thermostat additions. The other major problem was asbestos found in Eisenlohr's basement, which has already been removed. Gravina said the asbestos was sealed and contained, and in an area where individuals never went, but was removed because it surrounded the pipes of the old heating/cooling system. The contractor will also repair the roof, and paint the inside of the house and outside window trim. But many of the renovations are associated with the change in residents of Eisenlohr. Unlike the past two sets of residents, Rodin will be bringing a family to the house, including her husband, son, stepson and a first year University Law student. Since Rodin's family wants to use the third floor of Eisenlohr as living quarters, that also needs renovation, since it has been used as an attic and storage space in the past. A partition will be added to the second floor to separate private areas of the house from public ones, Freeman said. The last two occupants, Interim President Claire Fagin and Hackney, lived in Eisenlohr only with their respective spouses. Hackney's cousin also lived with him during his tenure as president. Rodin said that she "can't wait" to move on campus. "I walk by [Eisenlohr] longingly," she said. "I would really like to get settled."