The theatre was recognised as a Category I heritage building by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, with registration number 3140.

The building had a variety of rather diverse uses: public meeting place, entertainment, exhibitions, roller skate rink, and other activities.

Vaudeville was the main form of entertainment around the turn of the century, and John Fuller's son Benjamin started their theatre company's involvement with the building in 1903.

[2][7] Sidney Luttrell was commissioned to remodel the building's interior, and the modified space opened on 26 December 1927, providing seating for 1,300 people.

Extensive changes were undertaken, including the removal of the parapet, reduction of seating down to 720, updating of the cinema equipment, and introduction of a coffee lounge.

[8] Property Ventures had its office in a building diagonally opposite the Odeon Theatre at 179 Tuam Street.

[12] During the years of the Sydenham Assembly of God ownership, a large yellow illuminated cross was displayed on the theatre's frontage (the bracket still visible in photos post-2008).

[13][better source needed] In 2009, Christchurch actor and director Mark Hadlow campaigned for the Odeon Theatre to be turned into an arts complex for an estimated NZ$60m.

[16][better source needed] The front of the building was protected by a stack of shipping containers placed in Tuam Street.

[18]The Regional Council Environment Canterbury (ECan) purchased the building and adjoining sites from the Crown in as-is condition for $2.95 million in 2020.