The historic Parkway Theatre, located in Baltimore’s Station North Arts District, underwent a remarkable transformation into a state-of-the-art multipurpose film center, now the permanent home of the Maryland Film Festival (MFF). Together with adjacent buildings in the 1800 block of North Charles Street, the revitalized complex features three screening rooms with a combined 600 seats, classrooms for film students from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and year-round administrative offices for MFF.

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Structura was proud to collaborate with Ziger/Snead Architects to preserve the Parkway Theatre's historic integrity while adapting it to meet modern performance, educational, and operational needs. This involved careful evaluation and reinforcement of the original structure to support new uses, including integrating contemporary cinema equipment and creating safe, adaptable spaces for students and visitors.

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Project scope included stabilizing and strengthening the existing historic shell, designing structural systems to accommodate new mezzanine seating levels, and coordinating with architectural elements to ensure seamless connections between the theater and its adjacent buildings. Additional structural modifications were made to house classrooms, offices, and modern mechanical systems while maintaining the charm and character of the early 20th-century architecture.

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The revitalized Parkway Theatre now serves as a vibrant hub for Baltimore’s arts community, bridging its historic past with a dynamic future as a center for film, education, and culture. Structura is proud to have played a key role in this meaningful preservation and adaptive reuse project.

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AWARDS
‍2017 AIA Baltimore Grand Design Award
‍‍2017 Citation Award — AIA Maryland‍
2017 Honorable Mention – Building Design + Construction Reconstruction Awards

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Photos: Karl Connolly Photography