Lewis Arthur Smith (February 26, 1869 – March 13, 1958) was an American architect who designed many theaters in the Los Angeles area, most notably the Vista, El Portal, and Highland in Los Angeles, the Rialto in South Pasadena, and the Ventura in Ventura.
Biography.
Lewis Arthur Smith was born in Ohio in 1869 to German parents. He had one sister three years his elder.
By 1910, Smith was living in Los Angeles. In 1914, he married F. W. Smith, however she died sometime between 1920 and 1930. Smith was living with his sister in 1930 and he died in 1958.
Career.
Smith worked extensively with Bard's and Fox West Coast Theatres in the 1920s, and designed approximately forty theaters in total, eventually stopping due to bankruptcy. He partnered with William Pennell in 1920.
Theaters.
Smith's notable theaters (in Los Angeles unless otherwise noted) include:
Other buildings.
Other buildings designed by Smith (all in Los Angeles) include: