[ScreamingViking]

It took a while, but the Avon has a new owner.

New owner promises another life for former Avon theatre

By Meredith MacLeod

The buyer of the former Avon theatre on Ottawa Street says he's still formulating his script for the next scene of its life.

He's a longtime antiques dealer in a fashionable part of Toronto but doesn't want to be named publicly until he knows what he will do with the 68-year-old building.

"I guarantee there is something good that's going to happen here."

He will be meeting with tradespeople and some potential partners over the next week. The buyer says he has bought and renovated buildings before, but this is his biggest project so far.

Ottawa Street BIA executive director Patty Hayes is thrilled about the sale, which closed Monday. Finding new life for the Avon, which still has its marquee and much of the original features inside, has been at the top of her list of priorities.

"This is an opportunity for something new. I'm really excited about it because it's a beautiful space."

Hayes says people frequently share fond memories of seeing movies at the Avon (originally called the Avalon) and then heading across the street to Ward's restaurant for a float.

"That nostalgic, homey feeling is still there," said Hayes. The movie seats were removed and the incline floor is gone, but the stage, balcony and projection room remain. Circular stairs to the basement and coffered ceilings are still there, too. If you look closely, you can still see the ticket wicket on the sidewalk.

Hayes said the buyer returned several times to walk through the building.

"Once you see it, it's hard to get it out of your brain."

According to cinematreasures.org, the Avalon opened in 1946. It was renamed the Avon in 1969 and closed in 1985.

Dino Konstantinides bought the building about 30 years ago to house a retail carpet business. Soon, the wholesale and contracting side of his flooring business took off and the retail side withered. Eventually, the former theatre became only a warehouse for flooring to be installed in schools, retirement homes and factories.

Konstantinides is ready to retire, and his sons don't want to take over the business.

He didn't touch much in the theatre because he wanted to keep it as it was, he said.

"Everything is there if someone wants to turn it back into a theatre. It's quite beautiful inside."

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905-526-3408 | @meredithmacleod

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/44...-avon-theatre/