The Michigan Daily-Friday, September 11, 1987- Page 5 Commission approves Hillel expansion By STEVE KNOPPER The B'nai B'rith Hillel Founda- tion's proposal to destroy its 50- year-old building and erect a new one on its 1429 Hill St. site was unani- mously approved at last night's Ann Arbor Planning Commission meet- ing. Hillel's proposal will go before the Zoning Board of Appeals next week, and finally to the Ann Arbor City Council in two weeks. If ap- proved, construction on the new building will be scheduled for a September 1988 completion. The new two-story, 27,589-square "foot community center will be "quite spectacular," said Hillel Director Michael Brooks, adding that the University's largest Jewish student group has planned the expansion for two years. The proposal was tabled at last month's planning commission meeting so modifications could be made. The approved plan enlarged '.the front entry, removed a parking space, added a fire hydrant, and widened the opening to Hill St. Brooks also promised commis- sion members that he would conceal the parking lots from public view. The new building will also be more accessible to wheelchairs, Brooks said. Hillel will continue to operate from the rented second floor offices at 339 S. Liberty St. during the construction. Hillel, the world's oldest and largest Jewish service organizations, provides religious services, kosher food programs, and information on Jewish community issues. It also offers 15 non-credit Judaica classes each semester at the University. Lecture halls ready for class By CARRIE LORANGER Construction on auditoriums A and B in Angell Hall was completed in time for the first day of classes, giving students a "better atmo- sphere" for learning. Renovations on the auditoriums began the first week in June, said George Beal, owner of J.C. Beal Construction in Ann Arbor. Beal said construction crews have been working ten-hour days, six days a week for the last four weeks to as- sure completion of the auditorium by the first day of classes. "We were told that right now this is the most important project at the University," said Beal. "The renovation is part of the University's classroom renovation plan to provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities," said Henry Hal- loway, administrative manager of LSA. One goal of the $350,000 renovation was to improve the sound quality in the auditoriums, which are frequently used for viewing films. "We have quite a nice audio- acoustical speaker system buried in the walls," said Tom Schlaff, con- struction engineering manager. English Prof. Peter Bauland, who has taught in auditorium A, said the sound and ventilation systems needed improvement, and the old screen was losing its luminescence. "From what I understand they are trying to duplicate actual theater conditions," said Bauland, adding that speakers on stage are not as ef- fective as those built into the walls. Schlaff said the walls were resur- faced with tile and a soft board to improve sound quality in the rooms. Other improvements include new ceilings, lights, air conditioning, projection screens, blackboards, car- pet and seats in auditorium B. "We will temporarily use (the projection equipment) that has been used in the past but hopefully in the very near future (we will) purchase new equipment," said Halloway. The J.C. Beal Construction com- pany is also responsible for building new serving areas in Stockwell Hall and South Quad over the summer. Additional construction has begun on a new computer center in the courtyard between Angell and Mason Halls. Officials estimate the center will house 200 to 300 new comput- ers. Construction on auditoriums C and D will begin next year. Workers will upgrade lighting, sound, and fixtures in the two rooms. Officials will determine later whether projec- tion booths will be added. -PWI THE - FRide Ann Arbor Transportation Authority It's Required Riding! Give yourself a new view of the world. Let AATA take you wherever you're going throughout the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. Whether its shopping, a movie or restaurant, or a part-time job, AATA service is convenient and dependable. For route and schedule information, call 996-0400. Daily Photo by SCOTT LITUCHY Workers place the finishing touches on Auditorium B in Angell Hall. Auds. C and D are next up for renovation. Before you choose a long distance service, take a close look. 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