BY ADAM ATKINSONNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM – Clarkson University cut the ribbon at its new on-campus book store last Friday. The university’s original storefront site downtown at the corner of Market and Raymond still remains vacant however. 

According to a press release from the university, the grand opening was held ahead of the Clarkson men’s hockey game against the University of North Dakota and just following the Investiture of Clarkson’s 19th President, Michelle B. Larson.

The new store at the Cheel Campus Center will be operated by Barnes & Noble College. 

“The new space places the store at the center of student activity and provides easy access for community members attending Clarkson hockey games and other campus events,” said the press release. “The move reflects Clarkson’s commitment to enhancing student life and creating a more vibrant, accessible hub for students, faculty, staff and the Golden Knight faithful.”

However, the downtown location, right in the heart of the Market Street business district remains vacant after the book store there decamped to the campus. 

“The Village of Potsdam Department of Planning and Development has indeed fielded multiple inquiries regarding the former Clarkson Bookstore space. Our office has been in contact with several interested parties and has provided guidance to help explore different reuse possibilities for the property,” said David Thurlow, Village director of planning and development.

“That said, we’re not directly involved in any lease or sale negotiations, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to speak to specific discussions that may be underway. Our role is to assist wherever we can to support a successful transition and help ensure the space remains an active, vibrant part of downtown,” Thurlow told North Country This Week.  

“With several new businesses on their way and our DRI streetscape work moving ahead to transform downtown over the coming months, now is an incredible time for entrepreneurs to move into Potsdam's remaining available spaces. The former Clarkson Bookstore space represents a special opportunity with a large, visible location in the heart of our community. I fully expect we will see something new move in there quickly,” said the planning and development director. 

The new on campus book store at Clarkson was developed and designed with student input, the university said, with guidance from Erik Backus, Professor of Practice and Howard E. Lechler ’48, MS ’53, HD ’78 Endowed Director in the Construction Engineering Management Program.

“Led by Joe VanDeValk ’25, the team included Gavin Baldwin ’25, Carter Gould ’25, Allison Grant ’25, Grace Hernandez ’25, Tia Katz ’25, Sam Mancabelli ’25, and Logan Wilkinson ’25. Their plans were approved by Potsdam Code Official Greg Thompson in May, allowing construction to begin smoothly. Sanzhar Suleimen ’27, a junior civil engineering student, provided on-site construction oversight throughout the summer. Cutting the ribbon at the Grand Opening was Katz who commented that it was really exciting to see their work come to life and actually get completed over the summer,” the college said.

The project was completed on time and on budget, said the press release.

“Barnes & Noble College truly values the partnership with Clarkson,” said Bob Puma, Barnes & Noble College Regional Manager. “This was a complex undertaking, which took many meetings and difficult discussions to bring to fruition. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I’m also quite impressed with the student involvement with the project. This was instrumental in achieving the finished design and the outstanding look and feel of the store.”

“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the hard work and dedication of the B&N store team, and especially the Store Manager, Evan Hitchman,” Puma added. “This project was undertaken during the busiest time of the year, and Evan and his team held it all together by running three locations simultaneously and minimizing the impact on students. I am so happy to see the store back on campus and located in a very active area. I think this will offer students a much more convenient and accessible location and continue to help foster their success.”

Various local and state political leaders were on hand for the ribbon cutting.

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