$2 million grant for Schine Theater restoration in Massena

MASSENA – The historic Schine Theater in the village of Massena will finally be restored. This restoration project will become reality after state officials awarded the Massena Arts and Theater Association (MATA) $2 million as part of a state grant program.

The 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.

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.

Village Administrator Monique Chatland offered her thanks to state officials for investing in the project stating, “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.”

With the $2 million grant secured, Massena 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.