Home Builders Assn. Honors Ralph and Goldie Lewis, Watt

Southland home builders Ray Watt and Ralph and Goldie Lewis were among 10 persons honored by the National Assn. of Home Builders for their major contributions to the National Housing Endowment.

In ceremonies at the National Housing Center in Washington, an embossed bronze plaque for each contributor was installed in the newly named “Housing Commemorative Plaza.”

Watt, based in Santa Monica, is the head of more than 60 companies and the builder of more than 80,000 houses in 22 states. He was a consultant to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 1969.

The Lewises founded Upland-based Lewis Homes in 1955, and have constructed more than 23,000 dwelling units since then. They have established scholarships at several California colleges and have spoken at many seminars.