[2][3] The building had originally housed the Henry Siegel Co. department store.
The theater section was designed by Thomas W. Lamb[4] as part the Keith-Albee-Orpheum chain of vaudeville theatres.
During this time it featured film, big band concerts, and variety theatre performances.
Musicians Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and others frequently played the theater.
A typical show would be preceded by a Class B movie, newsreel and coming attractions.