The organization’s headquarters has been closed since April as the building undergoes $5 million worth of major changes, including the construction of two new additions, a complete overhaul of the luge training ramps, and the installation of new technology designed to enhance athletes’ training experience.

Construction on the building is set to wrap up early next month, according to Brian King, project manager for the Cutting Edge Group, a Lake George-based construction company contracted to do the work. In the past, the company has worked on behalf of the state Olympic Regional Development Authority on the ski lodge at Gore Mountain.

Two 60-foot additions to the facility has been constructed, giving coaches more space for sled building and allowing the organization more space for offices and classrooms for athletes.

“It’s just a tremendous amount of space we’re afforded now,” said Gordy Sheer, marketing director for USA Luge.

USA Luge headquarters is seen on Oct. 18. (Enterprise photo — Elizabeth Izzo)

The luge training ramps, which have new refrigeration lines beneath the concrete, have been completely rebuilt and reconfigured to improve athletes’ experience and promote speed at the start.

“We want to take advantage of everything we can at the top so it pays dividends at the bottom,” Sheer said.

New analytical technology that will provide athletes with data about their practice runs is set to be installed. A new air handling system at the facility is expected to improve the quality of the ice.

The upgrades are being funded in large part by the state. In the spring of 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo pledged $5 million for construction through ORDA, which came one year after the USA Luge Board of Directors decided to start exploring other cities to host the organization. At the time, they cited the need for upgrades to their facilities and improving their financial situation as their reason to look outside of New York state.

Only one other city was interested: Park City, Utah, home of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and the only other place in the U.S. that has a luge, bobsled, skeleton track for international competition.

In the end, Cuomo’s funding package — which included $1 million for marketing through Empire State Development — was enough to persuade USA Luge to stay in Lake Placid for at least five more years.

As the organization’s headquarters are under construction, USA Luge has operated out of the Mirror Lake beach house. At the village board meeting Monday, Oct. 21, Mayor Craig Randall said the organization had asked to use that office through December.