Oral history interview with Andy Hafen conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on August 22, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hafen discusses his upbringing in Henderson, Nevada. He recalls being elected to the City Council in 1987, the expansion of Henderson, and the development of the Water Street District. Hafen then talks about redevelopment of historic areas and the increase in businesses in Henderson. Later, Hafen discusses Lake Las Vegas, the drought and its effect on Lake Mead, and the challenges in developing Lake Las Vegas. Lastly, Hafen explains the how Nevada State College (NSC) has become the necessary link between the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Steve Schiller conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on September 01, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Schiller discusses his upbringing in Fillmore, California. He describes attending the California Polytechnic State University, studying structural engineering, and explains the type of work he does on buildings. Schiller then talks about the demolition of The Harmon Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, buildings he has done planning for, and collaborating with building owners when constructing a new building. Later, Schiller discusses the development of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the Venetian, and Paris Las Vegas. Lastly, Schiller talks about the lasting issues that resulted from the Great Recession in 2007.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Virginia Valentine conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on July 25, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Valentine discusses her early life in Florida. She recalls her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1981, working in a wastewater treatment plant, and becoming Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District. Valentine then talks about attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), obtaining a master's degree in public administration, and her involvement with flash flood management in southern Nevada. Lastly, Valentine describes becoming a registered professional engineer (PE) and her work with the Nevada Resort Association (NRA).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Qiong X. Liu conducted by Claytee D. White on June 08, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Liu discusses her upbringing in Beijing, China and later Shanghai, China. She recalls receiving a full scholarship to attend the University of Arizona, her initial reactions to arriving to the United States, and moving to North Las Vegas, Nevada in 1999. Liu talks about the Apex Industrial Park in North Las Vegas, population growth, and the increase of homes being built in the area. She explains the importance in diversifying the North Las Vegas economy and supporting local businesses. Lastly, Liu lists financial challenges that North Las Vegas has faced and her work as City Manager for North Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Martin conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on September 13, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Martin discusses his early life in Montana and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1961. He recalls his initial interests in carpentry, his employment at the Nevada Test Site, and co-founding his business, Martin-Harris Construction. Martin describes building custom homes, cooperating with architectural firms on a project, and the relationship built between building owners and the construction company. Later, Martin discusses the innovation of technology and its use on the construction site. Lastly, Martin talks about the differences in working for corporations and private owners.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Monica Gresser conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on September 20, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Gresser discusses her upbringing in El Campo, Texas and her initial interests in architecture. She recalls attending Texas Tech University and the University of Houston, designing sustainable buildings, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001. Gresser talks about gentrification in the Las Vegas downtown area, low-income communities, and the environmental conditions in disadvantaged areas. Later, Gresser describes her focus on developing transitional housing for military veterans and unhoused individuals, hostile architecture, and the issue of poverty across the United States.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Melvin Green conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on September 23, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Green discusses his upbringing in Louisiana and growing up in a family of farmers. He recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1983, working for Nevada Partners, and his involvement in the redevelopment of the Westside School. Green talks about his architect firm, KME Architects, and lists projects his company has worked on in Las Vegas. Lastly, Green describes presenting new designs to community members and partnering with church leaders to build community housing.
Archival Collection
The UNLV Libraries Collection on Tribal Gaming (approximately 1980-2005) contains newspaper clippings, website printouts, government reports, and brochures about tribal gaming policies and regulations across the United States, particularly in Nevada, New York, and Minnesota.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jan Jones Blackhurst conducted by Claytee D. White on December 09, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Blackhurst discusses her early life in Santa Monica, California. She recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1982, her initial interests in politics, and being elected Mayor of Las Vegas. Blackhurst talks about her accomplishments as mayor, the development of Fremont Street Experience, and establishing services for homeless people in Las Vegas. Lastly, Blackhurst discusses managing government relations for Harrah’s (now Caesars Entertainment).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Domingo Cambeiro conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on October 18, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Cambeiro discusses his upbringing in Havana, Cuba. He talks about his initial interests in architecture, starting his own architecture drawing service, and attending the University of Havana. Cambeiro recalls submitting a request to leave Cuba, emigrating to the United States, and arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1962. Cambeiro talks about working with Las Vegas architect Julius Gabriel, obtaining his architecture license, and starting an architectural firm. Lastly, Cambeiro discusses being selected to create architectural drawings for the Thomas & Mack Center.
Archival Collection