Tonight Kathleen and James “Buzz” Cusack, the new father-daughter managers of the Senator Theatre, will hold a community meeting to reveal more details about their plans to add a restaurant, bar and new screen to the legendary art deco space, which opened in 1939 and has grown into an iconic hub for the city’s art, film and culture.

The Cusacks, who recently took over management of the Senator from longtime owner Tom Kiefaber, intend to begin screening movies again on October 15th and will attempt to keep the business open throughout the renovations.

“The Senator Theatre in Baltimore is entering a new era,” said Senator spokesperson Rachel Goglia, in an email to the Brew. “It’s [the Cusacks’] intention to bring the Senator Theatre back to its glory days, a first run theatre – except now with 21st century amenities.”

The Cusacks said they will reveal details about the new renovations at tonight’s community meeting, but some aspects have been made public already.

The lead architect is Alex Castro (of Castro Arts), who  worked on the  Charles Theatre expansion about 10 years ago.

Restoration specialist and longtime Baltimore resident Norman Wesson, 68, is assisting with the renovations, and Ann Costlow will open a Sofi’s Crepes in the theatre (Costlow runs another “Sofi’s” next to the Charles, which the Cusacks also operate).

Costlow said she’s working with Buzz and other architects to design the new Sofi’s.  “We will try to keep the Art Deco theme that currently exists at the Senator,” said Costlow. “It’s a bit too early to know that the look will be, but it will be very cool.”

“The Senator has been given the green light on work being done in the lobby, the concession stands, the roof and other small non-intrusive mechanical work,” said CHAP City Planner Eddie Leon.  The Cusacks also plan to embark on the extensive process of filing for historic tax credits, according to Leon.

According to the Friends of the Senator website, Tom Kiefaber will be consulted in an evaluation of the theater “because of his intimate knowledge of the building and systems.”

Other plans include a second auditorium with stadium seating on the south side of the building, as well as a tapas restaurant.

According to the Sun, the Senator’s former, longtime projectionist Bill Hewitt will return to theater once screenings begin again in October.

In addition to the public meeting tonight, which will take place at 6:30 at the Senator, the Cusacks will soon host a public website featuring pictures of the plans, according to their publicist, Claire Miller.