Las Vegas’ Smith Center for the Performing Arts

“[We] no longer wanted to be the largest community in North America without something important,” says Smith Center President and CEO Myron Martin, shown inside the 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Artistic design flourishes inspired by the Hoover Dam are visible at the end of a row of seats inside Reynolds Hall.Reynolds  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Ornate circular portals allow light to glint off the luxuriously finished circular staircase at Reynolds Hall.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

A stairwell at Reynolds Hall boasts Art Deco/Art Moderne details inspired by the Hoover Dam.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The 258-seat Cabaret Jazz theater will host regular concerts.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The Cabaret Jazz club is a two-story venue with a mezzanine balcony.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Inside the Troesh studio theatre, which features learning facilities.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The 1.7-acre Symphony Park features a stage for outdoor performances.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The four-octave, 47-bell Carillon tower is 170 feet high.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)