By: Connor Barclay

The current on-campus construction of the original Holy Family Hall building is the next installment of a series of renovation projects aimed at enhancing the campus environment. With the Frankford Avenue sidewalk replacement during the spring of last year and the recent completion of the Metz Family Fieldhouse in the fall, Holy Family students are no strangers to construction in the area. Fortunately, the ongoing renovations of Holy Family Hall aren’t nearly as inconvenient, with only minor impediments to parking and foot traffic in the vicinity.
The project itself, which officially began last September, aims to elevate the building into a “modern, welcoming center for connection, collaboration, and student support,” according to a letter from University President Anne M. Prisco. A news release from the university outlines plans for a 10,000-square-foot addition to the front of the building, which will feature spaces for collaborative and public gatherings alongside modernized student support areas. 
Some closures, such as the front and Northeast entrances, are unavoidable due to the location and scope of the work. However, the university has taken careful steps to minimize the impact on daily campus life, often scheduling more disruptive operations to coincide with pre-planned campus closures. Workers took advantage of the lull in student activity over spring break to temporarily close the Southwest entrance closest to the ETC to complete required underground maintenance. 

“Having to get to other entrances can be annoying when rushing from the commuter lot,” says junior Rosann Siam, “but I hope I get to see the finished product.” 

While the abnormal amount of snow earlier this year halted outside work, the contractor was able to proceed with the internal parts of the project while waiting for it to melt. With the return of warmer weather, progress on the ongoing renovation has finally resumed in full. Vice President of Marketing and Communications Katherine Primus said the renovation is expected to be completed sometime during the 2026–27 academic year. “We appreciate the community’s support of the project in adapting to parking and traffic changes,” Primus said. 
Several more projects have also been approved for next year, so students and faculty alike should keep an eye out for official announcements from the university.

Connor Barclay is a junior at Holy Family University, majoring in English Secondary Education. He enjoys reading and writing, both for school and pleasure, and climbing fake plastic rocks in his free time.