Architect John M. Cooper's Art Deco design of the Roxie remained the only theater of that style in the downtown neighborhood.

[8] On June 27, 1958, Roxie usher Richard A. Studeny held theater manager Robert Brandtjen at gunpoint and fled with $1,200.

The facade prominently features a central stepped gable with a vertical sign tower spelling "Roxie" atop it, as well as chevrons and other geometric forms.

Although the Roxie was purpose-built for movies, the theater house features a small stage, rigging, and a proscenium arch for live productions.

[3] The Roxie's grandiose design required over 35 miles (56 km) of electrical wire for its lighting system, 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg) of sheet metal, and 120,000 bags of cement.