Houston architect Eugene T. Heiner and builder Henry Kane designed and built this structure in 1880-81 as Smith County's fourth jail. A second-story addition in 1894 doubled the jail's cell space. The building was replaced by a new jail in 1916 and later housed the Lewis Hotel until 1986. Its features include classical detailing of the Italianate style, a stucco finish scored to resemble cut stone, elaborate window molds and consoles, and classical beltcourses.