The original building was a Beaux-Arts style twelve-story complex on Hennepin Avenue, designed by Kees & Colburn and operated by Alexander Pantages, a Greek immigrant who opened 500 theatres.

It was then sold to Ted Mann in 1961; he owned many of the theatres in downtown Minneapolis.

The Pantages Theatre closed in 1984, and was renovated and reopened by the City of Minneapolis in 2002.

[2] Historic Theatre Group's original partner in booking the Pantages was Clear Channel Entertainment (now Live Nation).

Live Nation sold most of its theatrical properties, including its Minneapolis operations, to Key Brand Entertainment in 2008.