LEWISTON – For Andrew Harris, the restoration of the old Lyceum Hall is a work of art.

Literally.

The 135-year-old theater is now home to entrepreneurs Eric and Carrie Agren, and will soon house Fuel, their upscale French bistro restaurant.

And by March, Gallery 5 – a permanent exhibition venue for L/A Arts – will also swing open its doors in space donated by the Agrens.

“Watch this space,” said Harris, executive director of the local arts organization, expressing his delight and excitement about the gallery.

The Agrens set aside 850 square feet of storefront space at 49 Lisbon St., adjacent to Fuel, to house the gallery. In his remarks at a Wednesday morning news conference, Eric Agren said he and his wife have long been lovers and supporters of the arts.

“This space is something we’re very excited about,” he said, noting that Carrie sits on the board of L/A Arts.

For Harris, it means L/A Arts can provide more consistent exposure to artists’ works without the continual pressure of finding sponsors.

“We don’t have to carry the burden of ‘It’ll only work if the money comes in,'” he said.

The first exhibit will be selected works from the Maine Public Broadcasting Network’s studio competition. Margie Oxman, director of MPBN’s Great TV auction, said the juried show features 100 pieces from Maine artists, on which people can bid. The exhibit will run from April 1 to April 29. In previous years, the exhibit was at the Blaine House in Augusta and in Portland.

“We’re thrilled to be here in Lewiston,” said Oxman, noting the organization’s headquarters is just a little farther out on Lisbon Street.

Oxman was one of about 40 people who attended the news conference and then toured the Agren’s spectacular 5,000-square-foot, loft-style home on the building’s second floor. Work is continuing on the street-level restaurant, which the Agrens hope to open in February. Executive chef Justin Oliver has already been hired.

Besides offering elegant, country French fare, the restaurant will also make a private dining area available for reservation and custom tailor a menu for the occasion. Agren said Fuel will also offer a chef’s table in the kitchen, for the diner who wants to “come watch the madness.”

The couple’s vision – of rehabbing a historic, downtown building with the intention of living and working in it – typifies the creative economy, a model for Maine’s future development that was the basis for a statewide conference at Bates Mill in 2004.

“It really epitomizes the creative economy,” said Harris, who admitted he didn’t quite see the vision when he first toured the old building with Eric Agren.

“It was a bit of a bomb site,” he quipped. “But Eric’s energy and vision transcended the enormous restorative task before him.”

Gallery 5 – it’s named for the senses – will be a witness to that vision, Harris said.

“It’s a very bold statement,” he said. “Everything we do here will complement their belief in this building.”