The theatre's elaborate auditorium is designed according to the atmospheric style popular in movie houses built in the 1920s.

The Coronado's auditorium walls are decorated with facades of gilded Spanish and Italian-style buildings, and the ceiling looks like a deep blue sky filled with twinkling stars and floating clouds.

One of the grand mezzanine's focal points is a statue of Venus standing in front of a golden seashell.

During its early years, the Coronado played host to both movies and live stage shows.

During the theatre's heyday which lasted from its opening until the 1960s, such famous stage acts as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr. & Milton Berle appeared at the Coronado.

"[3] Kerasotes Theater Organization, owner of the Coronado Theatre since 1970, donated the property to the City of Rockford in 1997.

The project's goals were both to restore the theater's deteriorating interior and bring the building structure up-to-date.

The Coronado is home to one of only two remaining Grand Barton Theater Organs that feature a unique dragon design.