Dear Mount Holyoke campus community,
Earlier this year, we shared that the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center would temporarily close during the 2026–2027 academic year to undergo planned renovations for long-term improvements. As work approaches, we wanted to provide a reminder and a few additional updates.
The Willits-Hallowell Conference Center will close beginning Aug. 15, 2026, to allow for project preparation. Construction is scheduled to begin Sept. 1, with preliminary trenching work to install a new water line starting beforehand. The building is expected to reopen sometime in May 2027, in time for Reunion and Commencement season.
Most of the work will take place inside the building. However, early trenching work and other exterior activities may affect traffic patterns and parking in the area surrounding Willits. As with other campus construction projects, updates about parking and traffic impacts will be shared through MHC: This Week.
If you are planning an event typically held in Willits, please continue working with Event Services to identify an alternate location. The College has many reservable spaces that can accommodate a wide range of events, and the Event Services team is available to help find the best fit for your needs. Additionally, reduced-capacity catering will still be available for events. Event Services will be releasing a temporary catering menu in the coming weeks.
Willits is a conference center and hotel, and it also serves as an important gathering place for campus events, celebrations, meetings and visitors throughout the year. These improvements will help ensure the building continues to support our community for years to come.
We will share pertinent updates as additional details become available. Thank you, again, for your patience and flexibility as we complete this important work.
Sincerely,
Mike McKenna
Director, Willits-Hallowell Conference Center