As early as next September, the space formerly occupied by the Palladium restaurant may be used for classrooms.
Linda Koons, executive assistant to the provost, said that the issue is still being discussed by University officials, but that their decision seems to point in that direction.
"We talked about [this option] because there will be a shortage of classroom space next year," Koons said, explaining that this lack is mostly caused by the renovations that Bennett Hall will undergo starting June 1, making the building unavailable.
Some are not satisfied with this decision, considering this use of the building "a shame," former Palladium owner Roger Harman said.
"Normally, I think of a classroom that is not so visible to the outside world -- and [the Palladium] has a wonderful view," he said. "It's unfortunate to have such a prime spot used this way."
As part of the Arch Building, the former Palladium location -- at Locust Walk and 36th Street -- was acquired by the University in 1999. The restaurant's lease expired last summer, leaving the space available.
During the summer, the building underwent some renovations that made it suitable for the activities it now hosts.
Yet Harman said he was dismayed by the new look of his former restaurant.
"There is big fluorescent lighting, and it's not very pleasant," Harman said.
The final decision concerning the space's new use will be reached in a few weeks, but in the meantime, the Palladium has already been serving a myriad of other purposes since the beginning of the school year.
"It's a social space for the whole University community," Koons said. "It is a very active space for students and faculty groups."
A long and narrow room about three-quarters the size of the Bodek Lounge in Houston Hall, the Palladium's hall has become available in response to the scarce space on campus dedicated to various activities.
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, the Department of City and Regional Planning, the Penn Pakistan Society and the Office of Student Disabilities Services have all taken advantage of the space. The Palladium has also been used for lunches, parties, lectures and rehearsals.
"It becomes more and more popular as people get to know it's available," Perelman Quadrangle Facilities Director Tom Hauber said.
If the Palladium does become a classroom, social activities will nevertheless continue and the room will "be available for multi-purpose use," Hauber said.
"It's not going to be shut down" as a location for social activities, he added. "It's going to be classroom slash special events."
Because of concerns over the necessary equipment, it has not yet been decided which courses are likely to occupy the room.
"We hope to come by a decision shortly," Koons said. "There are questions about the technology" that can be used in the room.
The area is available to students free of charge, while other groups must pay a fee. When University-related groups are not using the space, the Palladium can be rented by other organizations.
