Senator Theatre’s future

The Senator Theatre’s doors have closed, but its historic character is in line for an update. In less than a month, Baltimore’s Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation will consider the interior of the Art Deco movie house for possible landmark status. Since the Senator’s exterior – its marquee and such – received the landmark designation in 2007, the authority of CHAP has expanded to include review of building interiors. With the theater’s ownership in doubt now, it would seem premature for the panel to take this up. But a historic designation for what lies beyond the Senator’s ticket booth could ensure its continued use as a movie palace and its contributions to the Belvedere business area.