LEWISTON — So many options.

The proposed performing arts center at Lewiston High School could be built at the rear of school or at the front. It could be erected on the left side or the right side.

One story or two? Natural lighting or artificial? How to best manage acoustics and where to put the bathrooms?

The choices seem almost overwhelming, but with the help of a 3D computer model, roughly 30 people on Tuesday saw how the center might look one day.

The plan, which places the new center at the front of the building near the main entrance, was unveiled Tuesday night by a team from Lavallee-Brensinger, the architectural firm tasked with designing the wing.

“This is where it starts to get fun,” said Lance Whitehead, the principal associate on the project.

The plan is to have a final concept ready to roll out by the end of March.

On Tuesday, the Lavallee-Brensinger team showed off what they consider the strongest concept to date, one that places the new wing at the very front of the school, near the student drop-off area.

“This is an option to really celebrate the project,” Whitehead said.

The plan includes a 1,000-seat performing art center, a size that seems to satisfy those who turned out to hear the latest developments.

And the planners, as it turns out, were quite interested in what the people of Lewiston have to say.

“Your feedback is welcome, invited and needed,” Superintendent Bill Webster said.

“If we don’t get a lot of feedback,” Whitehead said, “we kind of have to go it alone.”

Turns out that was not a problem. Those in the audience had feedback and suggestions on just about every aspect of the plan. Nobody seemed to flinch when an estimate of between $14 million and $28.5 million was floated as the potential cost for a 41,000-square-foot performing arts center. The price tag did not scare them much because they see so many gains to be had.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for this community to grow in the direction we want it to grow,” a former adult-education director said.

In October, the City Council voted unanimously to spend $60,000 on a concept study for the proposed Visual and Performing Arts Center. Lavallee-Brensinger began developing plans a short timer later.

For those associated with the current art facilities, the new wing cannot come soon enough. When the high school was built in 1972, it did not have an auditorium or space for art or music, so the art wing was resigned to the basement.

Problems with having art classes in the basement have been listed repeatedly: inadequate space, ventilation and light problems; noise from delivery trucks and the kitchen; no room for storage; and no space to showcase work or performances.

As plans for a new facility advance, the design team was joined by the engineering firm Sebago Technics, which means to add at least 100 parking spaces while redesigning the travel lanes through the high school property.

Mark Adams, president of the company, said he typically does not show up to give presentations, but as a Lewiston native, he felt obliged to show up and share his ideas for the project.

“This one,” Adams said, “is near and dear to my heart.”

The Lavallee-Brensinger team has already met with groups of students and teachers as they develop the project. More public meetings are planned before a final concept is rolled out, hopefully by the end of March.

After that, Webster advised, there is still much to do. The cost of the project will have to be approved by the council. Planners will have to figure out where the city will get the money. There will likely be a public vote on the matter.

The consensus in the room Tuesday night seemed to be that whatever it takes, the new performing arts center will be worth it. Interest in the arts will rise given the increased focus on and commitment to arts and crafts, music and theater, multimedia and graphic design.

It was an opinion Whitehead shared. He said it is not only faculty and students who will benefit. The finished project will be a boon for the city as a whole.

“If you want to see what a community’s values are, go visit its high school,” Whitehead said. “Everybody will tell you that.”