The Senator Theatre, a magnificent and historic art deco movie palace not far from where I live, has been lurching from crisis to crisis for years now. In a less-than-transparent process involving the Baltimore City government and various other local actors, it now seems clear that the Senator will be changing hands.
A number of proposals have been submitted to redevelop the theater--an anxiety-provoking turn for many architectural and cultural preservationists. One of the proposals is from WTMD, an outstanding public radio station based out of Towson University. Here's what they've posted on their website:
WTMD and Towson University have submitted a proposal that would transform the Senator into a multi-use film and concert theater that would also house the WTMD studios and offices.
We envision a space where film retrospectives, gala premiers and themed movie festivals are showcased in the same space as the musical artists you hear on WTMD every day. We want to fill the halls of this beloved palace with children’s programming, fundraisers for community groups and even showcase the multi-media work done by Towson University students. Our goal is to make sure the Senator is alive all day, every day.
Sounds great--as long as indie rock doesn't drown out great films. In the right hands, the Senator has a bright future as a cultural hub that could combine a well-preserved heritage and exciting new activities.
The worrisome thing is that the fate of the Senator will be determined by unknown forces within the Baltimore City government...
