Houston Hall vendors uncertain about future

As construction begins on the interior walls of Logan Hall and renovation plans are prepared for the rest of the Perelman Quadrangle, retailers in the Houston Hall Mall are concerned about their future in the new student center. Many stores that presently reside on the lower floor of Houston Hall may be forced to relocate once the building's renovations begin as a part of the final stage of the Perelman Quad's construction. According to Larry Mapp, who owns the University Copy Service in Houston Hall with his brother, Luerell, retailers have not been told when these renovations will begin, or if there will be space in Houston Hall for their stores once the Perelman Quad is complete. "Merchants are upset because they don't know what's going on," Mapp said. "We have some real concerns about where our businesses stand." And Associate Director of Houston Hall Services Thomas Hauber said there has been no discussion between University officials and the business owners regarding the estimated dates of renovation or the future locations of their businesses. But Provost Stanley Chodorow said the administration has not decided "how many or which merchants will be housed in Houston when the project is completed." "We have been concentrating on the physical design of the building, the creation of the space," he said. Discover Discs co-owner Tony Hall said he hopes to get some information soon. Hall added that the floor plan for the renovated Houston Hall allows for large stores and will not be ideal for his small shop. "I'm interested in continuing to serve the Penn community," he said, adding that he hopes the committee considers his store when they decide which businesses will remain. Executive Vice President John Fry said he is currently surveying many retail businesses on and near campus, adding that he hopes to find the right balance of retail space in the Perelman Quad. "They're still in the conceptual stages," he said of the committee responsible for the Perelman Quad's space allocation. Although Houston Hall's renovations are not scheduled to begin for at least another year, Hall said he is not certain his lease will be renewed this June. He added that his rent may rise next year and may be even higher once the building is renovated. "It seems that they are thinking of revenue rather than the services for the Penn community," Hall said. It will be difficult for stores to relocate off campus during Houston Hall's renovation period, even if they are guaranteed a location in the renovated building, he added. But while some merchants said they are wary of their futures, others were more optimistic. Hair House owner and 20-year Houston Hall veteran Anna DiPierro said she is confident that her store will remain in its location for another year, adding that she hopes it will stay for 20 more as a part of the Perelman Quad.