If its new owner has his druthers, the Avalon Theatre in Bay View will be an "incredibly dynamic entertainment space," housing multiple movie screens, space for live entertainment and a restaurant with a liquor license, by the summer of 2007.

Lee Barczak unveiled his plans, based on his own ideas and community input, at a public meeting attended by about 60 people at the Avalon Theatre Thursday night. Alderman Tony Zielinkski joined Barczak, pledging City of Milwaukee support for the $2.8 million plans.

"This is the man we've been waiting for," said Zielinski. "This is someone the City of Milwaukee can work with to restore the Avalon into a place to be enjoyed by Bay View and the entire City of Milwaukee."

Barczak says he plans to choose an architect by the end of this year, begin construction by the second quarter of 2006, and open the doors for business by summer 2007.

As for the theater's architecture, Barczak said he intends to preserve and restore the existing architectural elements and to carry the Mediterranean motif through the new components of the building. He said he even hopes to restore the famous twinkling "stars" of the dark blue, celestial-themed ceiling and to explore bringing back the organ.

Barczak's current vision for the space includes two small movie theaters where the balcony currently exists, one large theater for movies, as well as live entertainment and an additional space to serve as a movie screen or "black-box" theater. He said the front of the building would house the restaurant. Barczak also said he's currently in talks with a few local restaurateurs who would manage the food and beverage offerings.

Barczak said the project blends his business experience in real estate with his passion for film and the arts.

"I'll be pouring a lot of my life into this project during the next two years."

The Avalon's Web site is theavalontheatre.com.