PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION
The Pennsylvania Avenue Merchants Association represents the merchants of the 1500-1800 blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue. This community of merchants is designated by the City of Baltimore as an official Retail Business District License area. The efforts of the Association include annual Holiday events, concerts, and contests that bring exposure to this shopping district.
This area is also referred to as “The Avenue,” and holds a special place in Baltimore’s history. The Avenue has its roots as the premier musical entertainment district in the city from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. Pennsylvania Avenue hosted such musical icons as, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Redd Foxx, and Billie Holiday performing at The “famous” Royal Theatre. The Royal Theatre monument, pictured above, celebrates the memory of this entertainment jewel that was demolished in 1971.
Historic black churches and prestigious schools resulted in communities around the area having a high concentration of black professionals who utilized its venues and shops. In the area’s heyday, soul food, and seafood restaurants along with iconic nightclubs, clothing stores, and other shops catered to these African-Americans.
Today, the Pennsylvania Avenue Merchant’s Association is dedicated to furthering the growth and vitality of Pennsylvania Avenue and its surrounding community.
Sandwiched at each end by Pennsylvania Triangle Park and Robert C. Marshall Park, the area is surrounded by many beautiful green spaces.
Part of the National Baltimore Heritage Trail, the Pennsylvania Avenue Heritage Trail introduces you to Baltimore African Americans that made fundamental contributions toward building Baltimore.
Keeping with its tradition of being a hub for community activity, Pennsylvania Avenue has a wide variety of merchants and services. Many of the businesses have a long-standing relationship with the surrounding neighborhood. The Casino Bar has been a fixture on Pennsylvania Avenue since the 1940s. Now Bank of America, 1808 Pennsylvania Avenue has been used to serve the banking industry for over 60 years. Northwestern Loan has been under the same family ownership at the same location, 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, since 1919. The Avenue Market was first opened in 1871 and was restored in 1996 after a fire. The colorful market is home to many vendors, including soul food, fried chicken, and groceries.
Recently recognized as one of Baltimore’s newest arts and entertainment districts, revitalization efforts are in the future for this area.
