North Avenue Market was built in 1928 as Baltimore City’s first privately-owned market house. When it opened, the market contained twelve retail stores, a twenty-two-lane duckpin bowling alley, and over 200 grocery vendors. The market’s commercial viability was impacted by demographic changes following WWII, including the exodus of Baltimore residents to the suburbs. In 1968, a fire substantially damaged the interior of the building. Shortly after, the northern portion of the building was razed to accommodate the construction of J Van Story apartments.

Since the early 1970s, portions of the building have been occupied by a variety of beloved businesses including a print studio, arcade bar, theater, and dance club.