The downtown State Theatre's $3 million renovation project was awarded a $150,000 state grant Friday in Harrisburg.

This is the single largest contribution the group has received to date.

The 65-year-old State Theatre, located at 128 W. College Avenue, is part of the fundraising project of the state's Community Revitalization Program, where organizers of the project have requested $250,000 for completion.

While much has been done for organizers, there is a lot of work left.

Sidney Friedman is the former owner of the property where the theater sits.

He donated the title to Friedman State Theatre, Inc., the non-profit group coordinating the renovation.

The fundraising began during the 36th Annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts last summer, said Teresa Sparacino, director of the Downtown Improvement District, and leader of the grants committee of Friedman State Theatre Inc.

It began with the sale of brick pavers and the distribution of brochures introducing the board of directors.

The organizers hope to meet their $3 million goal by the end of this year.

The first grant -- totaling $40,000 -- was awarded last spring and was used to finish the schematic design of the theater.

The design will convert the 9,000-square-foot theater to a 500-seat arts center for music, and foreign and independent movies. There will also be other types of arts including local theatre.

The renovation would also create a 28-by-21-foot stage and preserve the theater's famous balcony.

Once the design was completed, it was surveyed and detailed plans for the complete design began.

The project will also be seeking grants from both the BF Goodrich and Bon-Ton Stores Foundations as well as applying to the state for construction funds, Sparacino said.

Cathy Dauler, a member of both the State College Borough Council and the downtown Board of Directors said she is excited about the theater.

"The theater is a big plus for the downtown area."

Friedman State Theatre Inc. President Mike Negra said the theater would be diverse.

They are trying to attract a community as diverse as the performances and art available at the theater.

"There will be something for everyone," he said.

The financial backers of the State Theatre hope renovations will be completed for 2004's Arts Fest.

However, the theater may not reopen until later next year.