The state awarded the village of Mount Morris in Livingston County with funding for a major overhaul.

A Restore NY grant will allow the village to renovate portions of the deteriorating New Family Theatre. The $433,500 grant will enable restoration of the theater, which has been abandoned and deteriorating for years.

The rear auditorium will be addressed first. It will be demolished in hopes that a retail business will move in. The 1930s Art Deco-style facade and marquee will be spared the wrecking ball.

The village is also moving forward with updates along Main Street. A revitalization grant and investments by a private developer mean new facades and updated interiors. There are plans for a new restaurant, bakery, art center, coffee shop and apartments.

"It is going to return the downtown area into a part of the community that is going to be vibrant again and useful," said Harold Long, Mt. Morris Village mayor.

Restore NY is a program designed to encourage economic development by providing municipalities with financial assistance for renovating properties.

Restore NY