Wharton Quad to open in three weeks

While Wharton professors often demand punctuality of their students, Project Management officials apparently do not demand the same standards, as the completion of the new Wharton Quad is nearly two months tardy. . Now scheduled to partially open in three weeks, the Shearson Lehman Hutton Quadrangle and Mack Plazawhich, which is located on 37th Street between Lauder-Fischer and Vance Halls, was expected to be finished in time for the commencement ceremonies this year, but a series of funding, labor and soil problems delayed the project significantly. "[It should have been completed by] the end of April or beginning of May," said Michael Walton project manager on Monday. "In time for graduation." Walton explained that the Wharton Quad was initially delayed more than six weeks at the onset while the administration was "clarifying funding." Soon after, a mason's strike set off by a "wage benefit" dispute between the contractor, Lorenzon Brothers, and the workers slowed the project. These problems were exacerbated by difficulties in clearing the debris and drainage problems, which together forced the project to push back its opening by nearly two months. Three-quarters of the site will be open for use in three weeks, while the remaining quarter is expected to be completed in early August. Once completed, the Wharton Quad will be open to students and area residents and will feature park benches and lawn areas for frisbee-throwing and recreation. Walton said that it would resemble College Green. Despite initial setbacks with funding, Wharton spokesperson Michael Baltes said Monday that the construction of the Wharton Quad is being sponsored by New York-based investment banking firm Shearson-Lehman-Hutton. Additional funding for the project was donated by 1961 Wharton graduate William Mack who is president and chief executive of the Mack Organization. The cost of the Wharton Quad was not released, but Walton noted that the project is currently within its established budget.

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