Work to begin on Perelman Quad

and Monica Leas The initial steps in construction of the Perelman Quadrangle will begin in early February when Logan Hall's interior walls are torn down, Provost Stanley Chodorow announced at yesterday's University Council meeting. "This is not exciting work," Chodorow said. "It's mostly breaking down walls and drilling holes for putting in new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems." He added that the major work on the Perelman Quad will begin this summer. Last summer, though, University President Judith Rodin predicted that the Perelman Quad, which will link Logan, Williams and Houston halls in addition to Irvine Auditorium, would break ground by "the first of the year." Executive Director of the Physical Plant James Wargo said last week that the project is still in the schematic design stage. "You can't knock down walls in the schematic design," he added. "The plans are all in thought. We have the concept but it has to gel." But Vice President of Facilities Management Art Gravina disagreed with Wargo, explaining that the project is on schedule and will be complete in three or four years. He added that construction on the exterior of Logan Hall is 99 percent complete, although this is not integral to Perelman Quad plans. "It depends how you define construction," added Gravina. "I'll define construction as long as you are spending capital dollars -- which we are." Gravina praised the provost's dedication to the project. "[Chodorow] is keeping everything on track," he said. "We want to make sure we understand all phases [of the project] so we don't get into a 'whoops' situation." The purpose of the Perelman Quad is to expand student space on campus in a centralized location. In addition, the historic Irvine Auditorium and Houston Hall will be renovated for practical student space. "The Perelman Quad will be a modern building that can function in our era as well as an era of the past," Rodin said in a report read last night by Chodorow. Gravina predicted last week that once the student center is complete, it will compete for the President's Council on Historical Preservations' Award of Excellence. "The Furness Building is a national landmark now," Gravina added. "But win or lose, it's the right investment for the campus." Fund raising, including construction plans for the Perelman Quad, has yet to be completed, according to Gravina. The Perelman Quad's namesake, University Trustee and alumnus Ronald Perelman, made a substantial $20 million donation to the $69 million dollar project in April of last year. And University Trustee and alumnus Steven Wynn also contributed $7.5 million. There has also been an alumni base for donations to the project. "We're moving along with the established budget," Gravina said. "Any gift will lessen the University's burden."