$100 Million for Lake Placid Upgrades

(ATR) Facilities from the 1980 Olympics will get a $100 million makeover.

The Olympic Center and speed-skating oval will receive their first significant upgrades since they were built for 1980 Olympics.

The New York Olympic Regional Development Authority board of directors okayed the three year project this week. That will clear the way for architectural drawings and building permits.

"This historic building is 42 years old and these modernization projects have the chance to define the Lake Placid experience for the next 30 years," ORDA President and CEO Mike Pratt said.

Officials hope to start work in November. Completion is aimed for 2022, just ahead of the 2023 Winter World University Games.

The Olympic Center was the venue for the fabled1980 hockey tournament won by the U.S. Parts of the venue date to the 1932 Olympics in Lake Placid.

With Salt Lake City designated as the next U.S. candidate for a Winter Olympics, Lake Placid is not in the picture to host a third edition.

But the venues in the village are in constant use, for training as well as events such as the Winter Universiade. As such, the facilities help drive the Lake Placid economy.

Along with the improvements to the sports venue, the Lake Placid Olympic Museum will also be expanded.

Reported by Ed Hula.