Gimbel changes on course

Although not all of the $1.2 million needed for the project has been raised, officials are hopeful. If you're unhappy with the current state of University fitness facilities, don't shell out for that Sweat membership just yet -- if all goes according to plan, you'll have another on-campus option beginning in September. University officials say that the new $1.2 million fitness center in Gimbel Gymnasium should be up and running by the previously projected September 1 completion date. According to Athletic Director Steve Bilsky, most of the art work in the existing gallery on Gimbel's first floor has been moved out to make way for construction, which he expects will begin in the next few weeks. "I think we're on target," Bilsky said. "And when I say on target, I'm talking about the goal of opening [the fitness center] on September 1, when students start coming back." The state-of-the-art facility will include new weight and cardiovascular equipment as well as video and audio systems. It will also come complete with a full air conditioning-system -- a welcome change for Penn fitness center regulars used to sweating it out in Hutchinson Gymnasium. The cost to use the new Gimbel facility will be $125 per year, the same amount members of the fitness center in Hutch currently pay. And beginning in September, the fee will allow access to both facilities. By comparison, the cost of a year-long membership to University City Nautilus, located at 4009 Locust Street, is approximately $479, depending on the date of purchase. And the membership fee at the newly opened Sweat Gym at 24th and Walnut streets is $365. An initial donation of $500,000 was made toward the project by Penn parents Ellen and Howard Katz. And according to Athletics Department Director of Major Gifts Audrey Schnur, the University to date has raised approximately one half of the required $1.2 million. "We are currently identifying prospects interested in providing students with the best possible athletic facilities," Schnur explained. "We are meeting with them and discussing gift opportunities. Construction will go on as planned, though." And although the entire $1.2 million required for the project is not yet in place, Bilsky said he doesn't think it will be a problem to raise the remaining funds. "It's an ongoing donation process and I don't see it slowing up construction in the least," he said. "We are really approaching anyone and everyone at this point, but I really think that once people see the good cause we're working toward, we won't have any trouble raising the additional funds." And University spokesperson Ken Wildes agreed that the project is on track, putting the University is well on its way to begin to "address out indoor training and fitness space needs." "We will spend something in the neighborhood of $1 million on Gimbel this summer to renovate 2,960 square feet on the first floor and 4,745 square feet on the second floor to create an attractive, yet functional space for weight training and aerobic exercise," Wildes said on Tuesday. "We have every reason to believe the renovations will be complete by September 1."