The former Christian Association building is set to finish its summer of renovation next month and reopen as a home to minority groups, the performing arts community and a new undergraduate research resource. The Christian Association occupied the centrally located building until Penn acquired it last November for an undisclosed price. Renovations to bring the facility up to code began in July and are expected to be completed in the near future. The new space will house offices for minority groups, the new Center for Undergraduate Research and a performing arts hub. According to John Smolen, associate vice provost for university life, the renovations should be finished by the beginning of next month. "We expect they're going to be substantially completed by October 1," Smolen said. And Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said the pace of construction has been right on schedule. In an e-mail statement, McCoullum said, "We met our goal to have first and second floor tenants in before the start of classes." Renovations included completely redoing the electrical system, improving lighting and fixing ceilings, floors and the heating system. The Pan Asian American Community House (PAACH), La Casa Latina and an office for the Greenfield Intercultural Center will all be located on the first floor. Eventually, the first floor will also be host to a performing arts hub. Located on the second floor of the building will be the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, which will advise and assist students interested in conducting research. That center has been a pet project of Provost Robert Barchi and will be headed up by former Harrison College House Dean Art Casciato. The second floor's auditorium was also extensively renovated. The Christian Association will be moving to Westminster House, near the Iron Gate Theater, the former location of La Casa Latina. The new name of the facility has not been determined yet. A naming committee is currently being put together under the leadership of Ty Furman, coordinator of student performing arts. Furman said the exact details of the naming process have not been worked out yet, but student involvement will be sought to a great extent. "It's going to go out to the campus as much as possible," he said
Research hub, minority grps. get new home in CA building
