Although the building's size is more than the Shriners need, its architecture is the reason why they've stuck it out for so long, Maxwell said.

"It helps stir a curiosity. You couldn't build something like this today," Maxwell said. "Maybe in Vegas, but not here."

The group has sunk hundreds of thousands of dollars into preserving the building. Walls have been replastered, the roof has been repaired and the kitchen replaced.

Alvin Parks Jr., the East St. Louis mayor, said allowing the building to go vacant would be a travesty.

"We haven't had any discussions, but the city of East St. Louis would be open to exploring ways to take over the facility, or rent part of the space," Parks said. "The auditorium there could be great as a community center."

The auditorium has 1,467 seats and is the largest in the city. The drawback? It lacks air-conditioning.