The Senator, Baltimore's premier movie palace, opened in 1939, and its landmark status is undeniable. The “walk of fame" outside is topped only by the Art-Deco décor inside. But The Senator is hardly alone as an example of successful theater renovation efforts, and new projects include The Parkway and Centre theaters on North Avenue.
Hippodrome
Bob Hope and Benny Goodman played the Hippodrome, which opened 100 years ago. Extensive renovations transformed it into a mecca for touring musicals, and it's now an anchor of the Bromo Tower Arts District.
Palace Theatre
The original 1910 building, which began as The Empire and is now home to the Everyman Theatre, was designed by local architects Otto Simonson and William H. McElfatrick. During another life as The Palace—a burlesque theater—“there was public uproar over the 'indecency' of the performances, and the theater was closed in 1937," according to the Everyman Theatre's website.
Everyman Theatre
The company's new home on Fayette Street dates back to 1910 and has, over the years, hosted everything from Yiddish theater and movies to boxing and bingo parties.
(Photo courtesy of Everyman Theatre)