Architecturally, the Avalon Regal's atmospheric and Moorish Revivalist theme was conceived by Austrian-born architect John Eberson, who was nationally known for his exotic motifs.

Eberson was reportedly inspired by an ornate Persian incense burner he found in an antique market in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

[citation needed] In 2008, the theater was purchased by Regina Evans, police chief of Country Club Hills, Illinois, and a state fund of $2.36 million, with the intent of reviving it as a cultural venue.

[8][9] The site held a party to celebrate Barack Obama's presidential nomination acceptance speech in August 2008.

[8][12] In September 2018, Rapper and Chicago native Kanye West committed to help restore the theater, pledging to donate $1 million dollars.