LEWISTON – Ideas for the Franco American Heritage Center’s next renovation, its lower hall, are headed to the public.

“We’ve looked at a museum, a library, an archive, learning center and conference space,” said Rita Dube, the center’s executive director. Other ideas have included classrooms and an updated function hall.

“We know we can’t have it all, though,” she said.

So, the center plans to hold public focus groups on April 12 and 13. People will be asked for their ideas and to wade through old plans.

“It’s needed,” Dube said. “The floor could be much more functional.”

Millions have already been spent on the center, the vast majority on the restoration of the granite exterior. However, the upstairs hall has also undergone radical changes, from the installation of new seating to state-of-the-art lighting to a new roof.

Meanwhile, little has changed downstairs since Dube and others led the effort to save the former St. Mary’s Church from being razed almost seven years ago.

“It’s still a church hall,” Dube said.

The center hired Vermont designer Don Hirsch to conduct a feasibility study on the downstairs. Eventually, leaders will draw up new plans and attach a price.

“If we get the money, then we can move forward,” Dube said. “We’re getting ready for when the money comes.”

The focus groups will be charged to look at all possible uses for the hall. They’ll be asked to give added attention to uses that will bring income.

“We also need to stick to our mission,” added Laurent Gilbert, the center’s president and Lewiston’s mayor. “That’s why we’re here.”

The lower hall is being used for cultural purposes now.

Each month, several hundred people attend “La Rencontre,” featuring entertainment, a meal and discussion, all in French.