The Maryland Theatre Expansion Project: First Look

The Maryland Theatre Expansion Project: First Look

Comments 2 comments

For those of you traveling along South Potomac Street in Hagerstown for the past year or so, you’ve probably noticed the construction that has caused many a traffic delay or detour through the downtown corridor.  What’s it all been for?  Well, a new 30,000 square foot expansion of the historic Maryland Theatre has just completed, and I had the chance to be one of the first visitors during its recent open house to view all of the new changes.

The new facade of the Maryland Theatre in downtown Hagerstown, Md. There are five stories of new spaces in the recent expansion, enough room for plenty of new performance and office spaces – as well as a top-floor ballroom for parties and other functions.

First – a little history.  Originally built in 1915 by Harry E. Yessler and celebrated architect Thomas Lamb, the grand theater space (with its neo-classical and Art Deco influences) has been home to vaudeville shows, movies, and other live entertainment for over 100 years[1].  The original lobby and upper-level apartments were destroyed by a fire that swept through the building in 1974 (but spared the theater itself) – shuttering its doors until 1978, when it was re-opened after an extensive renovation (and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976).  At that time, a smaller, modern lobby with a front courtyard was built onto the front of the actual theater space, but its addition also set the entrance back from the main street and the new lobby – while functional – lacked the grandeur of the original theater.

Compare the old facade (pictured here), to the new one (pictured above). Quite a transformation! (image credit – flickr.com)

The latest expansion (started in 2018) is part of a $15 million dollar addition which adds more formal and functional spaces to the theater as well as bringing its footprint back to the front of the street.  A new box office with a larger, improved lobby and a massive, two-story grand staircase now anchors the main level.  Smaller performance spaces, concessions, rehearsal areas, changing rooms, a conference room, and even banquet facilities (for private events) have been added to the five-story renovation, creating a destination venue for the downtown Hagerstown Arts & Entertainment district and returning the theater to its rightful spot as the “Grand Dame” of the streetscape.

The interior of the theater itself has retained all of its former glory – even through the renovation (image credit – tripadvisor.com)

See the photos below of the new theater spaces, and check out the Maryland Theatre website for the latest events and happenings in the new performance center.   

The new lobby area has a grand staircase to access the theater balcony area from the second floor. Entrances to the main theater seating are on the right and left of the stairs.
A look down the grand staircase from the 2nd floor to the lobby level.
A new will-call/box office window is on the left of the lobby, as well as a small, 1st floor concession area.
Gallery spaces fill the basement level, which also houses restrooms (which have also received a major overhaul).
There are now bathrooms on multiple levels. These are the new facilities located just below the lobby area.
A new and massive concession area fills the 2nd floor lobby (on the balcony level).
The theater has partnered with the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA), which is right next door (and connected by a 3rd floor “bridge” between the buildings). Smaller performance spaces will be able to be utilized by students throughout the year (like this one on the 3rd floor).
The top floor is anchored by this massive ballroom, perfect for weddings, pre-show dinners, or other events. Catering facilities are also available onsite. There’s also a great view of the street out front – from four floors up!
The chandelier in the main room on the 4th floor, just one of the many artistic touches throughout the building (it even changes colors).
The marquee out front proudly displays the theater’s location for all the world to see.

It’ll be another few weeks before all of the finishing touches are in place, but local theater-goers are in for a treat on their next visit. Stop in and see it for yourself!

[1] All historical information taken from Wikipedia contributors, “Maryland Theatre (Hagerstown),” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maryland_Theatre_(Hagerstown)&oldid=881392337 (accessed October 8, 2019).

2 thoughts on “The Maryland Theatre Expansion Project: First Look”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.