by Several major construction and renovation projects across Herkimer County Community College are nearing completion as part of a $24 million investment in infrastructure and facilities. The projects include new artificial baseball and softball fields, road and parking lot improvements, athletic facility renovations, and upgrades to the Technology Center’s cooling system. According to the Project Manager of Facilities Operation, Tom Stock, most of the work began in 2025, with many projects now close to being finished.
The work includes a major repaving and redesign project costing approximately $4 to 5 million. This covers improvements to the main parking lot, Lou Ambers Drive leading up to the college, and the pedestrian pathway that runs throughout campus. The project also added new lighting, updated road signage, and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
In addition, new artificial baseball and softball fields are being constructed, each costing about $4 million, to enhance facilities for student athletics. The fields are expected to open in early April. The Physical Education building has also received a new roof, costing around $4 million, to improve durability and protect the structure long-term.
Further upgrades include renovations to athletic spaces, such as new lockers and the athletic training center, totaling about another $4 million. The Technology Center also received a new cooling system, with a cooling installation costing approximately $600,000.
Planning for these projects began around 2023, with funding approved in 2025 through Herkimer County and state support. Construction officially started in May 2025, and most projects are now nearing completion.
“If you were going to put a percentage on the road and parking lot project, you could say it’s about 95% done,” Stock said. “There are just a few landscaping things that will be finished in the spring.”
The Technology Center cooling system has already been completed, while the baseball and softball fields are still being finalized after minor delays caused by the winter weather. Overall, the projects remain on schedule.
“As far as being on time, everything is pretty much on track,” Stock said.
Also, one of the old barns, the one closest to Wilhelm Stadium, was removed for safety reasons as the building was condemned. And Logging activity behind the stadium is happening on private property behind the barn.
In addition to construction updates, some students have raised concerns about recent power and water outages on campus. Stock explained that many of these issues are caused by factors outside of the college’s control, such as the Herkimer village’s aging water system and regional electrical infrastructure.
Utilities like electricity and water are managed by external providers, meaning the college can only respond to issues once they affect the college. While maintenance can address internal problems, like heating and cooling systems, they largely rely on outside parties to resolve larger system issues.
The college prioritizes improvements through long-term planning of Infrastructure conditions, building age, and student and faculty feedback to determine which projects should be addressed next. By planning projects over multiple years, so the college can spread out costs.
In summary, these capital projects are meant to improve campus facilities and infrastructure for students and staff. Most projects are already done, with minor things being finished, continuing into the spring semester.
