Provost plans Perelman paradise

Houston Hall merchantsHouston Hall merchantsworry about the future ofHouston Hall merchantsworry about the future ofvending space after theHouston Hall merchantsworry about the future ofvending space after theproject's construction isHouston Hall merchantsworry about the future ofvending space after theproject's construction iscompleted in 1999. Michael Toroghi and his wife opened Roses Florist in Houston Hall 14 years ago when they were still Penn students. These days, though, Toroghi is concerned about his shop's future. The start of construction on the Perelman Quadrangle has vendors and student organizations alike worried over the amount of space they will have access to during and after construction work. "Existing services here are very essential to the students," Toroghi said. "And I hope we get a chance to return [after construction is complete]." Tom Baltaeff, owner of Houston Hall's University Photo, expressed similar sentiments. "Merchants are hoping that we're approached with the option of returning," Baltaeff said, adding that he would be willing to pay a higher rent for the new site. Last semester, the University told current Houston Hall merchants they would know by December about options for space in the Perelman Quad, Baltaeff said. Since the meeting, the shop owners have not heard anything from University officials. The reason for the silence is that officials haven't yet finalized any plans for the space, said Thomas Hauber, an administrator for campus facilities. Several student organizations now located in Houston Hall are also concerned about receiving space in the Perelman Quad. According to Provost Stanley Chodorow, both the undergraduate and graduate branches of student government will receive separate offices on the upper floors of the renovated Houston Hall. But Chodorow decided not to allocate any specific space to other student groups early in the process, Perelman Quadrangle Committee student representative Dan Reynolds said. Reynolds, a fourth-year Philosophy doctoral student, said he thinks the Perelman Quad will be "fantastic" for the entire University community. But he expressed disappointment that the Perelman Quad won't provide a special campus space for graduate students. Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson and College junior Tal Golomb said he thinks the space his group will receive will be suitable. "In addition to office space, there will be a conference room where we can hold our meetings," Golomb said. Performance Arts Council Chairperson and College junior Katherine Minarik said she is optimistic about the space performing arts groups will have when the Perelman Quad is completed. But Minarik added that she is primarily concerned about having temporary space while the buildings are being renovated -- especially since Irvine Auditorium is scheduled to close this summer. "The administration has promised to find us alternative performance space," Minarik said. "They've been very helpful with this so far."