State officials gathered Thursday to announce a major investment in the long-abandoned Kleiner Building, located on the grounds of the former Middletown Psychiatric Center.

The New York State Assembly has awarded a $3.3 million grant, with the state Senate matching that amount, bringing the total state contribution to $6.6 million. The funding will kickstart efforts to restore the historic structure, which has sat vacant since 2006 and fallen into significant disrepair.

Officials toured the site Thursday, emphasizing the importance of preserving and repurposing the building. While the state funding marks a critical first step, leaders say additional financial support will be needed to complete the project.

The City of Middletown plans to transform the Kleiner Building into a multi-use community center, serving both youth and seniors.

“We are going to turn this building into a state-of-the-art couturial arts and , tourist magnet” said state Sen. James Skoufis.

The full restoration is expected to take five years, and the city is actively exploring additional funding sources to bring the project to completion.