LEWISTON – The Public Theatre was part of the city’s Southern Gateway long before there was a Southern Gateway, according to Artistic Director Christopher Schario.

“We’ve sort of been a pioneer in this area,” he told city officials and supporters Monday in the theater’s lobby. “It wasn’t always nice.”

Schario, city officials and local dignitaries launched a $2.48 million capital campaign designed to renovate the theater inside and out, making it a better match for its new neighbors.

“It’ll look more like the VIP and the Oxford Networks building across the street,” Schario said.

The city unveiled its plan in spring 2003 to redevelop the block of buildings surrounded by Lisbon, Maple and Canal streets. Schario congratulated Lewiston for the work, and said the improvements had made fund-raising for the theater a little easier.

“It helped make our dreams come true,” he said.

Part of the work is already under way, and Schario expects that part to be finished in time for the Dec. 10 debut of “A Christmas Carol.”

“At the very latest, it should be done by the time we start the January show,” Schario said.

Crews have begun to build an expansion along the eastern side of the lobby and seating area. That will house new restrooms, exits and stairways.

“Anyone who’s used our restrooms should applaud right now,” Schario said.

The second phase will kick off next summer, after the current season ends. It will give the lobby a new entrance, box office and concessions area. Much of that will be built along the western side of the building.

The third and fourth phases haven’t yet been scheduled, although Schario said he hopes to have everything complete within three years.

“To do all this, we’d need to end one season a little early and start the next one a little late,” Schario said.

That work will update the stage area, dressing and green rooms, workshop and storage space. Crews will remove the ceiling over the stage to make room for storage and more elaborate scenery. The audience seating will be replaced and rebuilt at a steeper pitch, giving each seat a better view of the stage. Work also calls for updating the electrical and ventilation systems and cleaning up the exterior.

The budgeted cost for all four phases is $2.48 million, and all of it is coming from fund-raising – not from ticket sales, Schario said. Adult tickets currently sell for $16 per show.

“When I first came here, our tickets sold for $10,” Schario said. “We charge more now, and I’m not going to promise that ticket prices won’t increase in the future. But if they do, it won’t be because of renovations.”