Opened on 11 September 1912 and designed by Thomas W. Lamb for impresario A. H. Woods. It had around 900 seats across three levels. Its terracotta façade—relatively restrained in tone for its time—is organized around a large three-story arch inspired by a Roman triumphal arch; the interior combined Egyptian and Greek details. In its early years it enjoyed great prestige, with long-running productions, but in the 1920s it lost momentum and passed through different lessees. In 1954 it was renamed the Empire Theatre. By the end of the 20th century, the building had completely changed function: in 1998 it was moved a few meters and incorporated as an entrance to the AMC Empire 25 multiplex. During that conversion, much of the original detailing was restored, and the former auditorium became the complex’s lobby and lounge.
"Fair and Warmer", a comedy by Avery Hopwood, opened on November 6, 1915. After seven months of performances, it transferred to the Harris Theatre, 226 West 42nd Street.

"Within the Law", a melodrama by Bayard Veiller, ran from September 11, 1912, to December 1913.