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. In1968, 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.