Perelman Quad to renovate old facilities, create new space

East Brunswick, NJ The much anticipated first step in construction of the Perelman Quadrangle, Penn's new student union, began January 30 as the interior walls of Logan Hall were torn down. The Perelman Quad will link Logan, Williams and Houston halls with Irvine Auditorium. It will be fully constructed within four years, according to Provost Stanley Chodorow. University trustees Ronald Perelman and Steve Wynn pledged $20 million and $7.5 million, respectively, twoard construction of the Perelman Quad. The classes of 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1970 reunion gifts, totalling $5 million dollars, will also be put toward the project. And University alumni David and Lyn Silfen have donated $2 million to create a study pavilion in the new student center in honor of David's 30th class reunion. According to project manager Bill Wilkinson, the demolition project will continue until July. Chodorow explained that once the demolition is complete, the actual construction will continue for 17 to 18 months, beginning this summer. The provost added that Logan Hall's $9.2 million interior renovation should be simple, since the building only has one classroom in use. But project planner Reyhan Larimer said it will be a challenge to restore the building, which was originally built in 1880. Williams Hall and Irvine Auditorium will be the next two buildings to undergo construction with Houston Hall being the last building to see renovations, according to Chodorow. But controversy has arisen as to how to space in the Perelman Quad will be filled. The Performing Arts Council has voiced concern numerous times that performing arts groups must receive adequate office and practice space in the refurbished buildings. Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum has identified the "Perelman Plus" option as a solution to these concerns. Under this plan, the former First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 40th and Walnut streets would be used for rehearsal space, and all available space on the campus will be considered for further expansion. Students are also concerned about prop and storage space, according to PAC chairperson and College sophomore Katherine Minarik. Chodorow explained that there will be an open office suite with desks and lockers for each group in Houston Hall when the renovations are completed. And he said the basement of Irvine Auditorium will be made into both practice and office space for performing arts groups. Irvine Auditorium's seating will also be reduced from 1,800 to 1,250 in order to convert the building into a "superior" music hall, according to Vice President f Facilities Management Art Fravina. Chodorow explained that the renovations will alter the shape of the hall, eliminating seating in wing balconies.