The Art Deco style cinema was built by Percy and Warren Hull after they were denied permission to expand Ely's Capital Theater, which opened in 1916.

The Central is unusual in a town where most of the structures were built in the boom times of the early 20th century.

"[3] The Central Theater closed on February 4, 1993,[3] and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 5, 1993.

[7] Lani and his brother had previously purchased the Capital Theater with plans to renovate and reopen it.

[8] A new projection screen, as well as a digital projector and sound system, were installed in April 2014, as part of a planned renovation by Lani and Purinton.