The Grand Theatre was designed by Merle F. Baker and was constructed on the foundation of the Keokuk Opera House (Circa 1880) which burned in 1923. It was patterned after theaters in Chicago and was praised as one of the finest theaters in the country at the time.

   Presently, The Grand Theatre is owned by the city of Keokuk and is used as a performing arts center. It is independently operated by the Grand Theatre Commission and used by various organizations.