Morabito Consultants provided structural engineering services for the restoration and modernization of the France–Merrick Performing Arts Center, including Baltimore’s historic Hippodrome Theatre. Originally constructed in 1914, the landmark theater was transformed into a 2,200-seat performing arts destination supporting Broadway productions, concerts, cultural programming, and community events.
As part of the theater renovation, Morabito Consultants assessed the historic theater and adjacent structures and developed structural solutions to support modern performance requirements while preserving significant historic fabric. Structural enhancements included reinforcement of existing balcony slabs, strengthening of roof trusses to support new catwalks and rigging systems, and expansion and modernization of the orchestra pit and stage areas.
Structural engineering services were also provided for the adaptive reuse of the adjacent historic Eutaw Savings Bank building into a flexible entertainment and banquet venue. The three-story masonry structure required detailed assessment and modification to support new framed mezzanine levels, a suspended tension grid within the vaulted main space, retractable staging, a flown video wall, and telescopic seating. The completed work blends historic theater restoration, adaptive reuse, and modern performance technology within a landmark Baltimore cultural venue.