By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- Clarkson University is continuing upgrades to the downtown campus, residence halls, gym and fitness center and Cheel parking lot with students set to begin classes Aug. 29. Enrollment is predicted to be higher than last year.

“Old Main Phase 2 work is wrapping up now and we are moving on toward starting construction on the third floor conferencing space in the center core,” said Michael Griffin, director of news & digital content services marketing & external relations.

Damon Hall construction is underway to bring the building back online for incubator tenant space.

“We are wrapping up a site work project downtown that has improved safety and accessibility in the Clarkson Hall, Peyton Hall and Damon Hall areas,” he said.

The Alumni Gym had a full roof replacement and flooring throughout the fitness center has also been replaced. The IRC field house received new flooring. Neugold Field has received a new storage building, scoreboard, and improved site layout.

The first phase of Cheel parking lot improvements for safety, pedestrian access and increased parking counts has been completed.

“This is the first of a two-phase effort; the remainder is scheduled to be completed next summer,” Griffin said.

Bertrand H. Snell Hall basement was outfitted with two new classrooms, one containing 70 seats, and one with 30 seats. Both classrooms are flexible, and have advanced technology and are fully accessible.

Several residence halls received improvements as well.

Flooring was replaced throughout the first floor of Hamlin House and Powers House, and a series of spaces throughout Woodstock and Townhouse Apartments.

Masonry improvements were made to several buildings and monuments including Holcroft, Olsen, Hank Hodge Monument and the Holcroft Fountain.

Cheel Dining Commons is receiving some improvements this year and they will be further advanced in coming years.

Rowley and CAMP labs received improvements to equipment and facilities.

Work will begin this fall on first phase of a Holcroft House renovation which focuses on what is the porch area, Griffin said.

“Next year we are anticipating the second phase of the Cheel parking lot improvements, extensive work along Rt.11 and the lawn in front of Hamlin and Powers houses,” Griffin said.

The college is planning on several residence hall improvements, including flooring replacements, bathroom upgrades and some kitchen upgrades. They plan to begin the construction phase of a fully renovated ERC building into the campus' Innovation Hub. Work on the IRC roof and Woodstock Lodge are also in the queue.

Clarkson will welcome 19 new full-time faculty for the 2016-2017 academic year.

In February, Clarkson officially opened its new Capital Region Campus in Schenectady, which serves as a recruiting hub for graduate and professional degree program admissions at all of the institution’s operations in New York State and online.

While our enrollment figures are not finalized until October, this year's freshman class at Clarkson is expected to be larger than last year's.