[1] The theatre was built initially as part of the "Chotiner's" movie chain.
It closed in 1954, and re-opened in 1960 as the Art La Brea after a US$70,000 renovation.
The Toho company also took over cinemas in San Francisco and New York City.
The architecture of the building used numerous gothic arches over the doorways and second floor windows.
The main lobby's exterior and second floor architecture was reminiscent of a steeple, however it did not have a spire.