Members of Williams crew teams pose in front of the newly constructed boathouse.

A New Boathouse

Issue: Spring 2024

This fall, Williams crew teams will take to the water from the dock of a new $7 million boathouse.

Nestled on the shore of Onota Lake in Pittsfield, the nearly 7,500 square-foot facility includes numerous upgrades compared to its predecessor, which dates to the 1920s and underwent renovation. Instead of a single, shared boat bay, the new building features individual bays for the men’s and women’s teams. There is increased storage space for equipment and supplies, a team room with cubbies, an office area for coaches, modernized bathrooms and a new, reoriented dock that makes it easier to get boats into the water.

Meanwhile, a new boat has joined the women’s fleet, named in honor of the late Nancy Storrs ’73—one of the college’s and the world’s greatest rowers. A pioneer in Williams coeducation and in women’s rowing, Storrs died in September of 2023.

A view of the inside of the new boathouse, with oars lined up.
A look inside the former boathouse on the shore of Onota Lake.

View more photos of the opening of the new Williams College Boathouse.

Photo, at top: Members of Williams crew teams pose in front of the new Williams College Boathouse. Photographs by Sean McGrath.