MAYSVILLE, Ky. (WKRC) – On the eve of Halloween, the Maysville community is celebrating the beginning of a new chapter for the old Hayswood Hospital, long rumored to be haunted.

The hospital has stood empty since it closed in 1983; Flickering lights and mysterious apparitions add to the hospital’s ghostly reputation. Even paranormal research was conducted in the area.

Finally, Wednesday marked the beginning of efforts to clean up the hospital, thanks to a nearly $2 million federal grant aimed at removing hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead paint. Governor Andy Beshear visited Maysville to celebrate the donation.

Contractors have submitted bids for the cleanup work, which is expected to begin at the end of the year and could take six to nine months to complete. The project aims to transform the building into a mix of residential and commercial spaces.