Holyoke was Harvard's tenth president, and many of the leaders of the American Revolution studied while he was president. In addition, former Dean Sert is a world famous architect who also designed the Spanish Pavillion for the Paris Exposition in 1937, the American Embassy in Baghdad, the Presidential Palace of Cuba, and Motor City, Brazil. The architecture and interior furnishings of the building lend a unique character to Holyoke Center. Interior spaces are planned with brightly colored fabrics and wall surfaces that emphasize the architecture of the building. Furnishings were specially designed to the client's requirements.
Natural sunlight enters the building through the skylights at key locations.
Holyoke Center has provoked a variety of reactions. Holyoke Center certainly achieved its goals. Its array of services includes accessible health services, a shopping mall, and a respite from the crowded square. The display windows and the stores animate the building both during the day and after hours. In addition, the center offers more sunlight on the streets than did the previous five-story structure.