LEWISTON – The Franco-American Heritage Center is one step closer to completing its renovations.

Maine’s two senators announced Wednesday that the center will receive $178,830 from the Economic Development Initiative, a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The grant will be used to renovate the facilities at the former St. Mary’s Church into a performance hall and museum.

Situated in Little Canada on Cedar Street, the building is currently closed for major indoor renovations, including expansion of the stage, new restrooms, a handicap accessible elevator and a new lobby.

Not long after St. Mary’s Church was closed in June 2000, the Franco-American Heritage Center took over the property.

Since then, renovation money has been provided from fund-raisers, grants and donations.

“We’re trying to save it because of the history it has in this community, the rich Franco-culture and the part that it’s played in the development of this area,” said Lionel Guay, board president.

Including the money from the initiative, the center has raised about $2.4 million, said Guay. Other funds have come from a $1 million state bond issue and a $500,000 anonymous donation.

Still, about $2 million needs to be raised.

Board members hope to raise some of the additional money by selling engraved granite blocks for the outdoor memorial terrace and taking donations for stained glass windows, pillars and other parts of the building. The names of the donors will be engraved on plaques displayed at the center.

They plan to reopen this November and hope to have about 90 percent of the renovations complete by 2005.

[email protected]