Clifford Allison Balch was an American architect who specialized in movie theater design and made significant contributions to Southern California's entertainment architecture. Born in Preston Lake, Minnesota, to carpenter William C. Balch and homemaker Anna S. Balch, he moved with his family to Pasadena in the early 1890s. After graduating high school in Oakland in 1897, Balch earned his degree from Throop College (now Caltech) in Pasadena in 1901. His career began as a draftsman for prominent architect Reginald D. Johnson, followed by seven years with William C. Pennell.
He served as a first lieutenant in the 40th Division of the 160th Infantry Regiment during World War I. Throughout his career, Balch worked as a resident architect for several notable firms including Greene and Greene (1913-1914) before establishing his own practice from 1928 to 1946. He partnered with various architects including Floyd Edgar Stanbery, Walker & Eisen, Henry Franklin Withey, and his brother William Glenn Balch. Balch joined the A.I.A. in 1946 and was married to Pearl Payne with whom he had three children.
NOTABLE WORKS
Golden Gate Theatre (1927), East Los Angeles – NRHP
Fox Pomona Theatre (1931), Pomona – NRHP
Boulder Theatre (1932), Boulder City, NV – NRHP
El Rey Theatre (1936), Los Angeles – LAHCM #520
Fox Riverside Theatre (1929), Riverside – Determined eligible for NRHP