The theater is located in a historic Masonic Temple, which opened in 1916 and served several local lodges.

The four-story brick and terra cotta building included a 1,800-seat auditorium designed by B. Marcus Priteca that was used for community events.

[1][4] Landmark continued to operate the Egyptian Theater until June 27, 2013, after the company declined to renew its lease with Seattle Central College.

[5] SIFF took over the lease in May 2014 and raised $340,000 from crowdsourced donations to repair and reopen the theater.

[8] The theater closed indefinitely in November 2024 due to water damage following a leak on the fourth floor.