BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The Schine Theater restoration project in the village of Massena may now fully come to fruition after state officials awarded the Massena Arts and Theater Association $2 million as part of a state grant program.

The historic theater has long been a project of interest for both the village and MATA, who have been fundraising for several years to pay for the theater's restoration.

The grant funding also comes as welcome news for the village of Massena, which applied for the grant funding earlier this year.

Village Administrator Monique Chatland, who handled the application on behalf of the village, said the funding will play a key role in realizing the full scope of the restoration project.

“​​The RESTORE NY funding will assist immensely in the transformation of this storied, historic landmark and reclaim its rightful place as a focal point of our downtown and within our community.

Revitalizing the Schine Theater, as well as the existing and planned redevelopment throughout our downtown core and within our community will serve as a catalyst for future growth and both economic and community development,” she said.

Chatland offered her thanks to state officials for investing in the project.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development and our state and local partners at every level, as well as those who have invested in our community and continue to work to move Massena forward,” she said.

Now with the $2 million grant secured, officials can move forward with larger improvements to the theater.

In a release on Governor Kathy Hochul's page, state officials detailed the scope of the project.

“The Village of Massena was awarded $2 million to support the restoration of the vacant and blighted 14,000 square-foot Schine Theater on Main Street into a multiuse downtown theater and event center. The plans include flexible seating for movies, concerts and shows, and conference presentations, table seating for cabaret shows and weddings and parties with eating and dancing and potential exhibit and tradeshow space," the release states.

The funds come from the eighth round of the Restore New York Municipal Grant program, which aims to aid in the demolition or deconstruction and rehabilitation and reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, surplus or condemned residential and commercial properties, according to state officials.

Village and MATA officials are also seeking funding through other grants, like the Northern New York Community Foundation and the New York Power Authority's Power Proceeds program as well, where the two entities hope to secure an additional $640,000.

Fundraising efforts also continue with a capital campaign project, with sponsorship levels ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 and up.

Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorships can become a Visionary Advocate by donating $1,000 to $2,499, a Cornerstone Sponsor by donating $2,500 to $9,999, a Heritage Partner by donating $10,000 to $24,999, a Legacy Patron by donating $25,000 to $50,000 and a Founding Benefactory by donating more than $50,000.

For more information www.facebook.com/Massenaschinetheater or massenaschinetheater.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEhxzpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUX9EQy3VNtc4_ljqq0VIn1lVII41y2nrGacjfk35aXukvuVDfobE-zOkw_aem_eQd_apc_erJexZqv-CuqSg