The theater was built in 1914 and owned by Abe and Louis Latts, along with Leon Schwager.

The building is a contributing resource within the West Second Street Historic District, of downtown Ashland.

[2] The two-story brick building has a three-part symmetrical facade, which was designed in the Neoclassical Revival Style.

Originally, there was a cast iron canopy over the central entrance,[2] with ornate light fixtures on either side, and the name Royal Theatre embossed on the front.

An Art Deco marquee with neon letters was later added, and was removed after the theatre closed in 1957.