Future
Until 2003, the future of most of the historic buildings was uncertain. Many of the buildings are vacant and need major repairs. Preservationists have been working for several years to guarantee the survival of this complex of buildings. Morris County had been negotiating with the State of New Jersey to take over vacant structures for non-profit agencies. Citizens of Morris County and surrounding areas formed a Preserve Greystone society to save the building. In 2003, Morris County finalized plans to purchase about 300 acres (1.2 km2) of Greystone Park from the state for $1.00. The purchase included many of the vacant, dilapidated buildings. The county is exploring options for viable uses of the new county park and buildings.
Ground was ceremonially broken on November 16, 2005, for the new psychiatric hospital on the Greystone campus. The expected date of opening was October 2007. The new hospital is two-thirds the size of the Kirkbride building and can house about 450 patients, with another 100 patients living in hospital-run cottages on the grounds around the main building.
The remaining property, including the historic Kirkbride building, is being turned over to the state's treasurer in October 2007 as excess property and will be sold. Its future remains uncertain.
On July 16, 2008 the patients were finally transferred to the new, state-of-the-art building which will house the new 450-bed facility. The move came after several long delays due to construction and security concerns.
In the summer of 2008, the Curry building, as well as the surrounding vacant buildings, were demolished. The Kirkbride building and surrounding patient houses are heavily patrolled by the Morris County Sheriff's Office and are inaccessible to the public.
The Kirkbride building has been used as a filming location for multiple shows and films, including Marvin's Room and House, M.D..
Read more about this topic: Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital
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“We simply must have faith in each other, faith in our ability to govern ourselves, and faith in the future of this Nation. Restoring that faith and that confidence to America is now the most important task we face.”
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