Located approximately six blocks from downtown, the Central Theater was constructed by P.W. and Warren Hull in 1939. It served as Ely's largest movie house from the time of its opening until February, 1993.

The simple, Art Deco style is unique in Ely as most of the commercial building stock dates to the first few decades of twentieth century. Indeed, only one other theater with this "modern" styling is known in Nevada's small towns - the Gem Theater in Pioche.

The Central Theater displays many of the architectural features of Art Deco, including the geometric massing, the flat roof and stepped parapet and marquee, the variation in the brick to imply columns, and the horizontal banding at the roof line and chevron "capitals." Inside, the theater featured curvilinear spacing in the lobby, with a rounded counter, doors, and curves in the ceiling which echoed the shapes below, and indirect lighting; these were also characteristics of Art Deco.

Source: NRHP Nomination Form