TRUCKEE, Calif. — Users of Tahoe Donner’s cross-country ski center may get a new facility in time for next winter.

“We’re trying to increase the quality of experience and service level for our homeowners, their guests and the public,” said Forrest Huisman, director of capital projects at Tahoe Donner.

On a busy day, the current 8,271-square-foot facility sees roughly 400 to 600 users, he said. The new building would be 23 percent larger at 10,220 square feet, with an expanded parking lot that could accommodate 150 vehicles, up from 110.

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“It’s great,” said Brooke Landis, a Truckee resident and frequent user of the current center. “I think they really need it because when there’s snow here, it’s used; there’s a ton of people.”

The new building would be at roughly the same location at 15275 Alder Creek Road and have similar offerings — a food and beverage station, kitchen, dining area, retail shop, rental area, restrooms and offices. In addition, the center would feature a public locker room, public waxing room and a multi-use room.

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During the summer, the center offers Bikeworks (Tahoe Donner’s bike shop) and equestrian operations. The new building would offer the same operations, with one exception — no indoor horse boarding.

One reason for that is due to lack of demand — for the 2013 summer, only six horses were boarded inside, Huisman said.

The project is estimated to cost nearly $6 million, which is already secured, he said. Funding will come from a special development fund that all Tahoe Donner homeowners and undeveloped parcel owners pay into annually.

Should the center be approved by the Truckee Planning Commission (which will hear the project on March 4), construction would start before the end of June. There would be a partial opening in late 2014, with final completion in early 2015. It would remain a public facility.

“I’m looking forward to having a more efficient, tighter structure, as well as more space, so we can do more,” said Sally Jones, cross-country center manager.

The cross-country center was built in the early 1970s, originally as an equestrian barn. As Nordic skiing grew in popularity, it was modified and expanded several times to accommodate the sport.

To learn more, visit http://www.tahoedonner.com/major-projects/timeline/nordic-center-remodel/.