The theater, designed by architects Jack Liebenberg and Seeman Kaplan, had a generous budget that allowed for elaborate decoration in the Streamline Deco style of design; its facade and structure made a "powerful statement of geometric mass punctuated by the entrance, exits, and three small windows that served the projection booth.

[6] Although the theater was praised as "the Twin Cities' most beautiful and modern neighborhood theatre"[5] and the "incomparable showplace of the Northwest",[6] it was not financially successful.

In 1998, they considered proposals for reuse, such as a full restoration, a partial rehabilitation such as the lobby area, or completely demolishing the theater.

[9] In 2015, the property was sold to Minneapolis real estate developer and entrepreneur Andrew Volna with plans to renovate it into an event venue while retaining the building's historic character.

[2] It was considered notable for its Streamline Moderne design by prominent theater architects Liebenberg & Kaplan and its association with the growth of locally owned, streetcar-accessible neighborhood cinemas during the Great Depression.