Daytime views of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Welcome to Las Vegas neon sign
Site address: 5200 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: YESCO
Sign details: The sign sits as a welcome to travelers entering the Las Vegas experience via Las Vegas Blvd The sign itself resides in the middle of traffic median directly in the middle of the road.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The sign itself is a classic roadside pole design which faces North/South. It is double backed, internally lit with a border of yellow incandescent bulbs along the flat edge of its width. Across the top of the sign seven white neon circles house separate red neon letters which form the word welcome. Crowning the sign at the very peak, above the word welcome, is a seven pointed neon star comprised of orange and yellow neon. The cabinet itself is faced with translucent white plastic and treated with blue and red painted text. The South side of the sign reads with the Neon welcome word then in blue painted text "To Fabulous" in a 50's style text reminiscent of that used in the Last Frontier property, and cursive. The Words "Las Vegas" are spelled in all caps, in red block text. And below that in smaller blue text the word "Nevada" are spelled in all caps block text.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: chasing, flashing
Sign environment: The famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign sits alone at the South end of the strip and is often the very first sign a traveler encounters when entering the strip. It casts a surprisingly powerful glow over the barren median which it stands. It stands as a gateway to the extravaganza that is Las Vegas. When leaving the main drag headed south the sign has an equal effect of being a lone gateway in and out of the Strip.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign - date of installation: 1959
Sign - thematic influences: Although it has no specific theme, it is from a specific period in Las Vegas History. It is the quintessential roadside pylon design. With an exposed steel center pole double backed marquee it is reminiscent of the common design of the roadside motor inn.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign has become perhaps the most copied icon of Las Vegas, as it was never copyrighted. It is a ubiquitous symbol of the city.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics

Pamplemousse Le Restaurant, Las Vegas' oldest French restaurant, sits at 400 East Sahara Avenue. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 400 E Sahara Ave
Sign owner: Georges La Forge
Sign details: Just a block away from the Strip, this French restaurant, which the name means "grapefruit" in French, has been a mainstay in Las Vegas for over forty years. Georges La Forge has created a wonderful atmosphere set as a "cozy French cottage with Tuxedo-clad waiters" and uses soft candlelight and French music to set the tone of the restaurant. A few of their most popular dishes include Escargots Bourguignonne, Fresh Foie Gras "au Torchon", Breast of Duck & Leg Confit, and Creme Brulee. It has received rave reviews and won many award since they opened in 1976. They have been voted as the "Most Romantic and Best French Restaurant" just to name a few.
Sign condition: 4, the sign is in good condition. It shows some wear from age.
Sign form: Pole sign
Sign-specific description: The sign has a very simple design. It is a pole sign that sits right next to the street; therefore, it is extremely visible for motorists and pedestrians. This is also a back lit sign and the plastic that is used is a soft pink. The sign reads "Pamplemousse Le Restaurant" in a bold, script-style font and maroon color on both sides of the sign.
Sign - type of display: Back lit plastic
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic
Sign environment: The restaurant sits just a block away from the Strip. It is near the SLS, the Westgate, and the Stratosphere Hotels as well as the Bonanza Gift Shop. It is also just down the street from another classic Las Vegas restaurant, the Golden Steer Steakhouse.
Sign - date of installation: 1976
Sign - thematic influences: The linkage to the property in this signage is that the text is in French, indicating that is it s a French restaurant. The signage is very modest and straightforward because it just tells you the name of the restaurant.
Sign - artistic significance: The linage to the property in this signage is that the text is in French, indicating that is it s a French restaurant. Other than that the signage is very modest and straightforward because it just tells you the name of the restaurant.
Survey - research locations: Pamplemousse restaurant website http://www.pamplemousserestaurant.com/ , Las Vegas Weekly article https://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/2015/jun/03/rick-moonen-column-pamplemousse-french-restaurant/ , Assessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-27
Sign keywords: Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign

The permanently closed White Cross Market sits at 1700 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Vickie's Diner, housed inside, remains open. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1700 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Vickie Kelesis
Sign details: This location opened ca. 1950 as White Cross Pharmacy and remained opened until around 2013. This location transitioned in between 2013-2015 into the White Cross Market. The Diner attached to Market has been open since 1952. This is considered one of the oldest standing diners in Las Vegas. The Diner was originally named Tiffanys Diner , but in 2014 it changed ownership from Pete Kelesis to his Daughter Vickie Kelesis who Renamed it Vickies Diner.
Sign condition: 3-4- has had some fading and weathering over the years
Sign form: Pylon and building sign.
Sign-specific description: Blue lettering on a white background on the Building. Pylon has a white cross topping the sign, as well as blue lettering and white plastic back lit sign as the background. There are lights down lighting the building and pylon sign.
Sign - type of display: Plastic back lit sign and down lighting
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: No neon was seen on the sign, and was mostly spotlit
Sign environment: This location is a few blocks north of the Stratosphere on Las Vegas Blvd. as well as a few blocks south of where Dino's Lounge is. This is located in between the Strip and the Downtown area.
Sign - date of installation: The owner stated that the signage on the building as remained nearly unchanged since circa-1955.
Sign - date of redesign/move: The plastic back lit portion of the pylon has changed a few times.
Sign - thematic influences: Since the signage for the White Cross Market is still up even though the company has shut down shows the importance of this property for its history and admiration from the community.
Survey - research locations: Visit to Vickies Diner and discussion with the owner. Las Vegas Weekly https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/2014/nov/19/tiffanys-cafe-now-vickies-diner-downtown-landmark/, assessors, and recorders office.
Survey - research notes: From the discussion with the owner: The diner has been open for 65 years, making it the oldest diner in Las Vegas. Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Liberace, and many more celebrities would frequent the Pharmacy and the diner. The Pharmacy was first 24/7 pharmacy in Las Vegas.
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Steel; Plastic; Backlit; Building-front design; Pole sign; Back to back; Roof Sign

The Pabst Blue Ribbon sign sits near the intersection of Fremont Street and North Las Vegas Boulevard in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: Fremont St and Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: PBR Donated, but a part of Fremont Street East
Sign details: PBR held a revealing party when installed in 2015, right next to The Park on Fremont. YESCO manufactured the 30 feet tall sign is nicknamed Cool Blue. Previous to this sign in this location the Maharaja Hookah Cafe had their signage in the same location previous to 2013.
Sign condition: 5, just installed in 2015 so neon and paint are still in great condition
Sign form: Free Standing Sign
Sign-specific description: 30 feet tall, the sign is nicknamed Cool Blue. A 30 foot waiter holding his arm out with 3 beers on his arm and one in his hand. The beers are animated with them lighting up in order starting with the one closest to his body. His arm is resting on a PBR can. The waiters shirt and cheeks illuminate red neon while the rest of his body illuminates blue argon. The PBR beer can illuminates red and blue as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: The Beer cans on the waiters arm light up in order, starting with the one closest to his body.
Sign environment: This is located in the parking lot on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. North and Fremont St. East next to the Park on Fremont. This marks the beginning of the Fremont Street East District were other freestanding Neon signs are as well.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 2015
Sign - thematic influences: The retro theme makes it look like a throwback to 1950s/60s advertisement. Also since it is for a beer company it shows that Neon does not always have to be for the Casinos here in Vegas. This is one of the first freestanding signs you see in the Fremont Street East District, thus showing that the Neon community downtown still is thriving and still defines our culture here.
Survey - research locations: YESCO website http://www.yesco.com/news/yesco-installs-pabst-blue-ribbon-neon-sign/ , Vital Vegas website https://vitalvegas.com/downtowns-fremont-east-gets-a-new-neon-sign-courtesy-of-pbr/ , google map roadside view
Survey - research notes: Since this is a freestanding sign it is difficult to find any specific information on a single owner or why this sign was placed there specifically.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-07-22
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Back to back; Monument sign

The Vanguard Lounge sits at 516 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 516 Fremont St
Sign owner: Andrew and Jennifer Wheatley
Sign details: The building was originally constructed in 1951. Previously to the lounge opening it was Fremont Street Guitars. Andrew and Jennifer Wheatley opened the lounge in 2010 after 30 years of experience together in the industry. This trendy bar has Modern-Industrial Decor, as you can see with their black building with a glass garage door entrance.
Sign condition: 5- newer sign that lights up brightly at night
Sign form: Hanging sign
Sign-specific description: Right above the entrance is a black canopy, but at night a white neon tube illuminates the perimeter of the canopy. The canopy also showcases their street address 516 in white channeled numbers. Above the canopy there is a beam which acts as a support for their main sign. Their main sign is a black rectangle which is also attached to the building. The sign states Vanguard Lounge in white skeletal neon letters. The word Vanguard is in a thick block-type print letters. Lounge is written in a smaller but similar type-font.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: This is located in the Fremont East district in between Las Vegas Blvd. and 6th St. This locations storefront is located in between the Therapy restaurant and Red dance club (used to be the old Coin Insert bar).
Sign manufacturer: Valley Signs and Lighting
Sign - date of installation: 2010
Sign - date of redesign/move: Vanguard used the old sign box that the previous company used and added their logo in neon in 2010.
Sign - thematic influences: The skeletal neon showcases a simple yet classic design. It also showcases the Modern trendy vibe.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign does have a modern vibe but is staying true to the Neon culture of downtown.
Survey - research locations: Vanguard lounge website http://www.vanguardlv.com/vanguard_lounge_venue , Las Vegas Sun https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/sep/20/vanguard-lounge-opens-fremont-street/ , Assessor's page
Survey - research notes: Definition of Vanguard is a group of people leading the way in new developments/ideas. This is possibly alluding to their theme of being different than the other bars downtown. Coincidentally there was a dance club in L.A. also called Vanguard, but no connection found between the properties besides their modern dance vibes.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Hanging; Pole sign; Roof Sign

The El Portal Gift Shop sits at 310 Fremont Street inside the Fremont Street Experience. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 310 Fremont St
Sign owner: HS Family LP c/o J. Blut
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1928 (Assessor). The El Portal Theatre opened June 21, 1928 as the first building in Las Vegas to install air conditioning (Cinema Treasures). The theater closed in the 1970's and the site became El Portal Gifts and then a Native American arts and crafts store (Cinema Treasures). The current owner has received approval to turn the building into a food court and tavern (Lazara, 2017).
Sign condition: Condition is 5. The cabinet, paint and lighting are all in top condition. A few light bulbs are missing from the light boxes on either side of the sign.
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: The metal "L" shaped cabinet points inward toward the building. The cabinet is painted turquoise. Two rows of white incandescent bulbs run along the spine of the cabinet. "El" is spelled out horizontally across the top of the sign in white cursive channel letters with the interior outlined in white neon. "PORTAL" runs vertically down the cabinet in sans serif white channel letters with the interiors filled with three rows of white neon. At the bottom of the sign is a white channel arrow which is filled in by three rows of turquoise neon. The sign is inserted between two rectangular light boxes which angle out from the building to the edge of the sign. The light boxes are outlined with clear incandescent light bulbs, have a red and turquoise Native American blanket style design on each end and state "INDIAN ARTS &CRAFTS" in serif Native American style lettering. The light boxes are made to appear as if they are supported by two totem poles painted in back, white, red and turquoise.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent (with lightboxes adjacent)
Sign - media: Steel (and plastic in adjacent lightboxes)
Sign - non-neon treatments: Lightboxes adjacent to sign
Sign environment: In the Fremont Street Experience. Sounded by other storefronts and casinos.
Sign - thematic influences: The El Portal building is Spanish Colonial style. The light boxes are Native American style.
Survey - research locations: Recorder's office
Survey - research notes: Cinema Treasures. (n.d.). El Portal Theatre. Retrieved from http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1888 Lazara, G. (2017 June 13). The old El Portal Theatre to become a tavern. Retrieved from http://www.ktnv.com/news/the-old- el-portal- theatre-to- become-a- tavern
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Light box; Plastic