Search Results
Photographs of Binion's signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
Archival Collection
Description
The Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel, bought in 1951 as the Horseshoe Club, sits at 128 Fremont Street inside the Fremont Street Experience. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site name: Binion's Horseshoe (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 128 Fremont St
Sign owner: TLC Casino Enterprises
Sign details: Opened By Benny Binion 1951, and later say remodels and expansions in 1960 after the purchase of the Boulder Club and 1988 when The Mint was purchase and expanded further and doubled the size. Mr. Binion is known for popularizing the World Series of Poker and brought the game into the mainstream. Binion's Horseshoe was the first casino to put carpeting in a downtown property.
Sign condition: 5 - all of the neon on the property is well maintained and working
Sign form: Concave design, Bullnose elements and decorated shed
Sign-specific description: The property is currently known as Binion's. The horseshoe elements of the property were removed when the Casino changed the name in 2004. The property is a decorated shed, with blue neon signs covering the exterior of the building. The property also has neon signs with the name "Binion's" in a cursive font around the building, along with a large "B" and the world "Gambling" in a western style serif font
Sign - type of display: Neon and Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: Flickering incandescent bulbs, neon tubes in-between the solid blue flicker.
Sign environment: Downtown Las Vegas, across from Golden Nugget
Sign manufacturer: YESCO and AD-Art
Sign designer: Rudy Crisostomo
Sign architect of record: 1961
Sign - date of installation: 1961
Sign - date of redesign/move: 2005 rebranded as Binion's Gambling Hall
Sign - thematic influences: Similar to other properties on Fremont Street. Property is wrapped with neon and has elements of western flair in the design
Sign - artistic significance: 1960s Downtown started to see the first decorated sheds, and the western style casino was still popular during that time.
Survey - research locations: The Magic Sign, Binion's website, Vintage Vegas
Survey - research notes: https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2010/jan/12/rooms-dark-there-still-action-binions/
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-11
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Flickering; Bullnose; Architectural
Mixed Content
Photographs of Somerset Shopping Center sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 4, 2017
Date
2017-04-04
2017-09-01
Archival Collection
Description
The Somerset Shopping Center sign sits at 252 Convention Center Drive. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 252 Convention Center Dr
Sign owner: Somerset Shopping Center CO LP
Sign details: This shopping center was built in 1966 next to the Somerset House Motel. The motel was demolished in 2011; however, the shopping center is still around. Some businesses that reside in the shopping center include: a hair and nail salon, a dry cleaners, an Ethiopian restaurant, and a place for banquets to name a few.
Sign condition: 5, the sign is in beautiful condition.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: This pole sign sits close to the street so motorists and pedestrians can view it easily. A light blue pole holds up the main portion of this sign, as well as back lit plastic signs on each side of the pole that display what businesses are in the shopping center. The sign itself consists of a yellow ring that encircles three other signs. This yellow circle is covered in incandescent light bulbs that chase when the sign is lit up at night. Also, extending from this yellow circle are light blue poles in various lengths that are surrounded in neon tubes and oscillate around the yellow circle when the sign is lit up at night. In the center of the circle are three signs. The first sign is an elongated oval that has the word "SOMERSET" painted on it in bold white letters with a black outline on a light blue background. Neon tubes outline these letters. The sign under that is a large rectangle shape with each of the sides curving inward. There are also incandescent light bulbs lining the outer edge of this sign that chase when the sign is lit up. This sign has the word "SHOPPING" painted on it in bold white text against a red background. Neon tubes outline each letter of this word. The sign under this is another elongated oval that is a similar size to the "SOMERSET" sign. This sign reads "CENTER" in bold white text against a red background and neon tubes outline this word as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent light bulbs and back lit
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic portion of sign
Sign animation: Oscillating, chasing
Sign environment: The shopping center that this sign is located in is about a block away from the Strip and is near a few monumental properties. It resides close to the Las Vegas Country Club, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Guardian Angel Cathedral that Paul Revere Williams designed. It is down the road from casinos like the Wynn, Encore, Circus Circus, and the Westgate. The Peppermill, an iconic Las Vegas restaurant, is down the street as well. It was down the street from the Stardust when that property was up and running.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: Most likely 1966, 1960's era
Sign - thematic influences: The design of this sign is very eye-catching from the road, as are many roadside signs throughout this era of the city. Bold text and light animation make this a standout sign to attract motorists and pedestrians to the shopping center.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign appears to have some Googie design influence throughout it. It has a space age feel to it because of the yellow circle that surrounds the "SOMERSET SHOPPING CENTER" signs and the blue poles that extend from it also add to this style.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/somerset , Roadside architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-01
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Oscillating; Chasing; Pole sign
Site address: 252 Convention Center Dr
Sign owner: Somerset Shopping Center CO LP
Sign details: This shopping center was built in 1966 next to the Somerset House Motel. The motel was demolished in 2011; however, the shopping center is still around. Some businesses that reside in the shopping center include: a hair and nail salon, a dry cleaners, an Ethiopian restaurant, and a place for banquets to name a few.
Sign condition: 5, the sign is in beautiful condition.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: This pole sign sits close to the street so motorists and pedestrians can view it easily. A light blue pole holds up the main portion of this sign, as well as back lit plastic signs on each side of the pole that display what businesses are in the shopping center. The sign itself consists of a yellow ring that encircles three other signs. This yellow circle is covered in incandescent light bulbs that chase when the sign is lit up at night. Also, extending from this yellow circle are light blue poles in various lengths that are surrounded in neon tubes and oscillate around the yellow circle when the sign is lit up at night. In the center of the circle are three signs. The first sign is an elongated oval that has the word "SOMERSET" painted on it in bold white letters with a black outline on a light blue background. Neon tubes outline these letters. The sign under that is a large rectangle shape with each of the sides curving inward. There are also incandescent light bulbs lining the outer edge of this sign that chase when the sign is lit up. This sign has the word "SHOPPING" painted on it in bold white text against a red background. Neon tubes outline each letter of this word. The sign under this is another elongated oval that is a similar size to the "SOMERSET" sign. This sign reads "CENTER" in bold white text against a red background and neon tubes outline this word as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent light bulbs and back lit
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic portion of sign
Sign animation: Oscillating, chasing
Sign environment: The shopping center that this sign is located in is about a block away from the Strip and is near a few monumental properties. It resides close to the Las Vegas Country Club, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Guardian Angel Cathedral that Paul Revere Williams designed. It is down the road from casinos like the Wynn, Encore, Circus Circus, and the Westgate. The Peppermill, an iconic Las Vegas restaurant, is down the street as well. It was down the street from the Stardust when that property was up and running.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: Most likely 1966, 1960's era
Sign - thematic influences: The design of this sign is very eye-catching from the road, as are many roadside signs throughout this era of the city. Bold text and light animation make this a standout sign to attract motorists and pedestrians to the shopping center.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign appears to have some Googie design influence throughout it. It has a space age feel to it because of the yellow circle that surrounds the "SOMERSET SHOPPING CENTER" signs and the blue poles that extend from it also add to this style.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/somerset , Roadside architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-01
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Oscillating; Chasing; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Candlelight Wedding Chapel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the Candlelight Wedding Chapel sign. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 800 S 4th Street
Sign details: The Candlelight Wedding chapel is located on the corner, just north from the Riviera and in the same parking lot as The Algiers. The small white, wooden roofed structure sits just to the east of the street and the northern side butts against Stardust Rd . Outside, the corner is treated with grass, and landscaping, creating a pleasant environment to go along with the charm of the building as well. The low level pole sign faces north/west. The building has a small wooden cross, surrounded on the edges with white neon, on the top of the building, in the same fashion as the Little Church of the West. The style of the building is classic New England architecture
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 3 Lighting 3
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The main sign for the candlelight wedding chapel is essentially a small pole sign with three separate sections of cabinets along with lighting elements. The white steel pole rises out of the ground ,before transforming into a large two sided marquee cabinet. The cabinet is crafted with sculptural elements into its outer edge. The four corners swell up and bulge, before slightly swooping inward. The top and bottom edges are climaxed into a shallow point. The sides sweep into the notch of a negative circular shape. The sides are given a scroll type feel. In two lines across the red face of the sign, Wedding Chapel is spelled is white text, occupying most of the space of the cabinet. Across the very bottom of the cabinet Wedding Information is spelled in an all white single row of text. The larger text is lined with incandescent bulbs and outlined in neon. The bottom line of text is just lined in neon. The pole protrudes through the top of the sign where a small horizontal, internally lit cabinet, sports sculpted edges as well. The top and bottom edges sweep from either side, then descend meeting at a point in the center. The sides are simply concave, radiuses inward. The white cabinet is lit internally, illuminating the white plastic face. Black text stretches across the plastic face, reading candlelight. Below the main cabinet two internally lit cabinet sandwich the pole, creating two faces. The cabinets are all white, with white faces, utilizing red letters. At the very top of the pole is a tree tiered formation created with raceways and lined with incandescent bulbs. One raceway rises vertically into the air perpendicular to the ground, while the two flanking pieces arch out created a three-pieced fountain shape. It is also reminiscent of a Fleur de Lis.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The positioning of the Candlelight Wedding chapel gives it a unique role as an accent of softness, among a bombardment of neon and pulsating lights. Just to the North, is the Algiers parking lot, and to the south, the Riviera. Directly west across the strip there is the ever electric Circus Circus. Amid all this chaos of incandescence, screeching cabs, and buzzing current, the green shrubbery and plot of turf finely houses the pylon, and leads up to the structure itself. It is very charming and fresh compared to. It definitely is reminiscent of the era of establishment such as its neighbor the Algiers.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the sign has little to do with the theme of the wedding chapel, and more so to do with the architectural theme, than the function of the establishment. The pole sign contains standard elements of local signage. The logo cabinet, and internally lit message center. It even contains the most common element of a raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. The sculpted edges of the pylon's logo cabinet are reminiscent of other cabinets with sculpted edges. The most famous reference to this shape seen in classic Vegas history, is the original corner fascia seen on the Golden Nugget. As far as being compared to the only other existing independent wedding chapel, its structure is similar, that being a small structure boasting a highly visible steeple.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic
Site address: 800 S 4th Street
Sign details: The Candlelight Wedding chapel is located on the corner, just north from the Riviera and in the same parking lot as The Algiers. The small white, wooden roofed structure sits just to the east of the street and the northern side butts against Stardust Rd . Outside, the corner is treated with grass, and landscaping, creating a pleasant environment to go along with the charm of the building as well. The low level pole sign faces north/west. The building has a small wooden cross, surrounded on the edges with white neon, on the top of the building, in the same fashion as the Little Church of the West. The style of the building is classic New England architecture
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 3 Lighting 3
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The main sign for the candlelight wedding chapel is essentially a small pole sign with three separate sections of cabinets along with lighting elements. The white steel pole rises out of the ground ,before transforming into a large two sided marquee cabinet. The cabinet is crafted with sculptural elements into its outer edge. The four corners swell up and bulge, before slightly swooping inward. The top and bottom edges are climaxed into a shallow point. The sides sweep into the notch of a negative circular shape. The sides are given a scroll type feel. In two lines across the red face of the sign, Wedding Chapel is spelled is white text, occupying most of the space of the cabinet. Across the very bottom of the cabinet Wedding Information is spelled in an all white single row of text. The larger text is lined with incandescent bulbs and outlined in neon. The bottom line of text is just lined in neon. The pole protrudes through the top of the sign where a small horizontal, internally lit cabinet, sports sculpted edges as well. The top and bottom edges sweep from either side, then descend meeting at a point in the center. The sides are simply concave, radiuses inward. The white cabinet is lit internally, illuminating the white plastic face. Black text stretches across the plastic face, reading candlelight. Below the main cabinet two internally lit cabinet sandwich the pole, creating two faces. The cabinets are all white, with white faces, utilizing red letters. At the very top of the pole is a tree tiered formation created with raceways and lined with incandescent bulbs. One raceway rises vertically into the air perpendicular to the ground, while the two flanking pieces arch out created a three-pieced fountain shape. It is also reminiscent of a Fleur de Lis.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The positioning of the Candlelight Wedding chapel gives it a unique role as an accent of softness, among a bombardment of neon and pulsating lights. Just to the North, is the Algiers parking lot, and to the south, the Riviera. Directly west across the strip there is the ever electric Circus Circus. Amid all this chaos of incandescence, screeching cabs, and buzzing current, the green shrubbery and plot of turf finely houses the pylon, and leads up to the structure itself. It is very charming and fresh compared to. It definitely is reminiscent of the era of establishment such as its neighbor the Algiers.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the sign has little to do with the theme of the wedding chapel, and more so to do with the architectural theme, than the function of the establishment. The pole sign contains standard elements of local signage. The logo cabinet, and internally lit message center. It even contains the most common element of a raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. The sculpted edges of the pylon's logo cabinet are reminiscent of other cabinets with sculpted edges. The most famous reference to this shape seen in classic Vegas history, is the original corner fascia seen on the Golden Nugget. As far as being compared to the only other existing independent wedding chapel, its structure is similar, that being a small structure boasting a highly visible steeple.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic
Mixed Content
Photographs of La Concha sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the La Concha Motel sign on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2955 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Edward Doumani
Sign details: The La Concha is located north of the Riviera hotel Casino, just past the giant glass wall advertising for Splash. The La Concha double sided ground sign, sits close to the street on the east side of the strip, facing north /south. Directly to the east the origin of the signs shape resides in the form of the front structure of the La Concha's lobby structure. The sweeping elliptical roofline creates a structure dripping with the flavor of outlandish 50's-60's expressionistic modern design. The roadside ground sign reflects this shape actually mimicking it in a stylized silhouette of itself. The two icons are separated by a small but busy parking lot that expands north of the La Concha to house other similar style structures. The wings of the hotel, which extend out behind the main lobby, are a rather stark and plainly rectangular form, compared to the front portion of the lot.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4 Notes: Considering the age of the property and the sign, it is in great condition, everything is intact, but not perfect.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The sign resides in a pleasant spot of green grass, among the concrete and black top surfaces. A rectangular base, painted a light hue of blue and gold, supports a double-sided sculpted cabinet in a three-pointed crown, which is the stylized profile of the building in sits in front of. Below the main cabinet a triangular internally lit message center has been added, as well as two more, flat rectangular cabinets on the north and south sides. The cabinets are adorned with text that advertising for car rentals located in the same neighboring lot. Off of the west side of the cabinet a small circular cabinet is cantilevered off of the edge. It is an internally lit marker, noting that color television is available inside. The surface of the actual cabinet is painted red, and is somewhat faded. The section of the cabinet that would be dedicated to the low-lying portions of the La Concha's roof are addressed in white. The "La Concha" is spelled across the front of the sign in white text outlined in blue. The text is designed specific to the sign, for the capital L and C are shaped to match the contours of the crowns of the sign. The rest of the script also takes on some of the same stroke of the manner. Motel is spelled in the same coloring across the bottom right hand portion of the signs face, in block text. The very bottom portion of the cabinet is a black painted horizontal extension with edges that angle back into the body of the sign. The words "vacancy' are written across the surface of the sign to the right hand side. No is spelled on the left, but only in neon. When illuminated the main text is lined with a light electric blue, while the edges, and the top contours are lined with a pink and fuchsia glowing borders. The words "vacancy" and "motel" are lined in an orange, amber colored, warm tubing.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The La Concha sits just to the south of the Riviera's giant glass wall. Headed south, the property comes into view, being a quiet transition from the extreme nature of the Riviera. The sign sits in a black top expanse that meanders back into the rest of La Concha's property. The base of the sign is surrounded with plants and curbing, firmly rooted into the urban mainstream of the neighboring street.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the La Concha can be drawn directly from 1950's and 60's modern design. Such curve can be seen signs of the decade for example the original Dunes pylon displays elements of such curve and swell. In Jorg Rugemer's Lost Las Vegas, there is a picture of a 60's era automobile sitting next to the building. It is used to show the influences of the structures design present in the design of something as common as the automobile. It is reminiscent of the protruding fins and large eye like taillights seen on such autos. The sign itself is an interpretation of the building in a silhouette form, so it's angle draw from the same pool as well. The coloration of the neon is also reminiscent of the era. The turquoise, vermilion and red are reminders of such properties as the original Flamingo, and the Algiers.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Site address: 2955 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Edward Doumani
Sign details: The La Concha is located north of the Riviera hotel Casino, just past the giant glass wall advertising for Splash. The La Concha double sided ground sign, sits close to the street on the east side of the strip, facing north /south. Directly to the east the origin of the signs shape resides in the form of the front structure of the La Concha's lobby structure. The sweeping elliptical roofline creates a structure dripping with the flavor of outlandish 50's-60's expressionistic modern design. The roadside ground sign reflects this shape actually mimicking it in a stylized silhouette of itself. The two icons are separated by a small but busy parking lot that expands north of the La Concha to house other similar style structures. The wings of the hotel, which extend out behind the main lobby, are a rather stark and plainly rectangular form, compared to the front portion of the lot.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4 Notes: Considering the age of the property and the sign, it is in great condition, everything is intact, but not perfect.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The sign resides in a pleasant spot of green grass, among the concrete and black top surfaces. A rectangular base, painted a light hue of blue and gold, supports a double-sided sculpted cabinet in a three-pointed crown, which is the stylized profile of the building in sits in front of. Below the main cabinet a triangular internally lit message center has been added, as well as two more, flat rectangular cabinets on the north and south sides. The cabinets are adorned with text that advertising for car rentals located in the same neighboring lot. Off of the west side of the cabinet a small circular cabinet is cantilevered off of the edge. It is an internally lit marker, noting that color television is available inside. The surface of the actual cabinet is painted red, and is somewhat faded. The section of the cabinet that would be dedicated to the low-lying portions of the La Concha's roof are addressed in white. The "La Concha" is spelled across the front of the sign in white text outlined in blue. The text is designed specific to the sign, for the capital L and C are shaped to match the contours of the crowns of the sign. The rest of the script also takes on some of the same stroke of the manner. Motel is spelled in the same coloring across the bottom right hand portion of the signs face, in block text. The very bottom portion of the cabinet is a black painted horizontal extension with edges that angle back into the body of the sign. The words "vacancy' are written across the surface of the sign to the right hand side. No is spelled on the left, but only in neon. When illuminated the main text is lined with a light electric blue, while the edges, and the top contours are lined with a pink and fuchsia glowing borders. The words "vacancy" and "motel" are lined in an orange, amber colored, warm tubing.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The La Concha sits just to the south of the Riviera's giant glass wall. Headed south, the property comes into view, being a quiet transition from the extreme nature of the Riviera. The sign sits in a black top expanse that meanders back into the rest of La Concha's property. The base of the sign is surrounded with plants and curbing, firmly rooted into the urban mainstream of the neighboring street.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the La Concha can be drawn directly from 1950's and 60's modern design. Such curve can be seen signs of the decade for example the original Dunes pylon displays elements of such curve and swell. In Jorg Rugemer's Lost Las Vegas, there is a picture of a 60's era automobile sitting next to the building. It is used to show the influences of the structures design present in the design of something as common as the automobile. It is reminiscent of the protruding fins and large eye like taillights seen on such autos. The sign itself is an interpretation of the building in a silhouette form, so it's angle draw from the same pool as well. The coloration of the neon is also reminiscent of the era. The turquoise, vermilion and red are reminders of such properties as the original Flamingo, and the Algiers.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Alan Albert's signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the Alan Albert's restaurant signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3763 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Following the alleyway created between the Walgreen's and Fatburger establishments, you can find the entrance to the secluded Alan Albert's. The restaurant is located on the Fatburger (north) side of the drive, found headed east down the south side of the building. The building quickly stretches out to the south and then continues east again. Signage is located on this extension of wall. The signage includes a logo wall sign, a neon back-lit glass block wall, as well as three small steel boxes adorned with crafted neon. Signage is also located on the Walgreen's dominated pylon out front.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 4 Lighting 5 Note:The structure of the sign is intact, and appears to be complete in all its parts. The surface of the sign is worn by the weather, but no worse than any other property.
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The small face created by the south extension creates the space for the entrance to Alan Albert's. The sign hangs off this wall above a pair of large wooden doors, created with brown painted channel letters in a text specific to the establishment. They are painted white on the exterior. The channel letters are steel, outlined with white neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. White neon tubes underline each word. Almost the entire wall is created of translucent glass blocks. Behind the glass blocks there are tubes of red neon running vertically and horizontally along the open sections of the blocks create a glowing background grid of red light. The entire sign is supported with steel brackets, which are hung from the top of the roof hooking onto the wall of the building. The letters are hung at an angle pointing from the bottom toward the top right hand corner of the building. Below the main text on the right hand portion of the sign are three horizontal steel boxes hung consecutively, supporting text sculpted out of neon. The top box reads "Steaks," the second reads "Seafood," and the third reads "Prime-rib." On the Multi-use pylon the Alan Albert's signage only plays second fiddle to the dominant Walgreen's sign. It is four lines of text with the two lines of "Alan Albert's" filling the top spots. Below that "steaks, seafood, prime rib," sits above the text "so delicious intimate." The top two lines are spelled in brown channel letters, filled with incandescent bulbs, and bordered on the face with red neon. A narrow polished channel underlines each line of text and is lined with a single tube of white neon. The bottom two lines of text are smaller script channel letters lined with red neon. Below this collection of letters and bulbs, a backlit selection of signs also adds to the list. "Lobster House" is spelled in closed channel letters with red faces. A narrow internally lit green cabinet, with rounded ends, is treated with white script.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Glass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the interior of the main text, oscillate rapidly. The effect is the shimmering effect seen so often throughout neighboring properties. It can be seen in the main building texts of properties such as the Monte Carlo and the Mirage. The Alan Albert's text on the Walgreen's pylon near the street is animated as well. The incandescent bulbs animate with an oscillating pattern steady burn on, then flash off, then on, off then starts to oscillate once again.
Sign environment: Alan Albert's sits tucked away from the bustle of the main street, guarded on both sided by Walgreen's and the Fatburger establishments. Besides the adjacent archway advertising for the Ginseng BBQ establishment, the signage for the Alan Albert's is the main attraction in the immediate space.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - artistic significance: The significance of the Alan Albert's establishment fits in with other facilities on the Strip such as The Rosewood Grill, and Battista's Hole in the Wall, and the Peppermill. Considering that most dining establishments are located on the interior of the properties, these stand as excellent quality, intimate restaurants seen by and available to the pedestrian public. Like the everyday establishments dressed to fit in the Las Vegas Strip such as the neighboring Walgreen's, Alan Albert's is a non-casino dressed up to fit in with the local surroundings. The incandescent bulbs also contain the most common animation seen on the strip. The surface of the wall is turned into a blurry illuminated canvas with glass block wall, backed by a grid of red neon. The surface is a one of a kind for the properties in this survey and the genre that it represents.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Paint; Graphics; Steel; Plastic; Glass; Fascia
Site address: 3763 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Following the alleyway created between the Walgreen's and Fatburger establishments, you can find the entrance to the secluded Alan Albert's. The restaurant is located on the Fatburger (north) side of the drive, found headed east down the south side of the building. The building quickly stretches out to the south and then continues east again. Signage is located on this extension of wall. The signage includes a logo wall sign, a neon back-lit glass block wall, as well as three small steel boxes adorned with crafted neon. Signage is also located on the Walgreen's dominated pylon out front.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 4 Lighting 5 Note:The structure of the sign is intact, and appears to be complete in all its parts. The surface of the sign is worn by the weather, but no worse than any other property.
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The small face created by the south extension creates the space for the entrance to Alan Albert's. The sign hangs off this wall above a pair of large wooden doors, created with brown painted channel letters in a text specific to the establishment. They are painted white on the exterior. The channel letters are steel, outlined with white neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. White neon tubes underline each word. Almost the entire wall is created of translucent glass blocks. Behind the glass blocks there are tubes of red neon running vertically and horizontally along the open sections of the blocks create a glowing background grid of red light. The entire sign is supported with steel brackets, which are hung from the top of the roof hooking onto the wall of the building. The letters are hung at an angle pointing from the bottom toward the top right hand corner of the building. Below the main text on the right hand portion of the sign are three horizontal steel boxes hung consecutively, supporting text sculpted out of neon. The top box reads "Steaks," the second reads "Seafood," and the third reads "Prime-rib." On the Multi-use pylon the Alan Albert's signage only plays second fiddle to the dominant Walgreen's sign. It is four lines of text with the two lines of "Alan Albert's" filling the top spots. Below that "steaks, seafood, prime rib," sits above the text "so delicious intimate." The top two lines are spelled in brown channel letters, filled with incandescent bulbs, and bordered on the face with red neon. A narrow polished channel underlines each line of text and is lined with a single tube of white neon. The bottom two lines of text are smaller script channel letters lined with red neon. Below this collection of letters and bulbs, a backlit selection of signs also adds to the list. "Lobster House" is spelled in closed channel letters with red faces. A narrow internally lit green cabinet, with rounded ends, is treated with white script.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Glass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the interior of the main text, oscillate rapidly. The effect is the shimmering effect seen so often throughout neighboring properties. It can be seen in the main building texts of properties such as the Monte Carlo and the Mirage. The Alan Albert's text on the Walgreen's pylon near the street is animated as well. The incandescent bulbs animate with an oscillating pattern steady burn on, then flash off, then on, off then starts to oscillate once again.
Sign environment: Alan Albert's sits tucked away from the bustle of the main street, guarded on both sided by Walgreen's and the Fatburger establishments. Besides the adjacent archway advertising for the Ginseng BBQ establishment, the signage for the Alan Albert's is the main attraction in the immediate space.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - artistic significance: The significance of the Alan Albert's establishment fits in with other facilities on the Strip such as The Rosewood Grill, and Battista's Hole in the Wall, and the Peppermill. Considering that most dining establishments are located on the interior of the properties, these stand as excellent quality, intimate restaurants seen by and available to the pedestrian public. Like the everyday establishments dressed to fit in the Las Vegas Strip such as the neighboring Walgreen's, Alan Albert's is a non-casino dressed up to fit in with the local surroundings. The incandescent bulbs also contain the most common animation seen on the strip. The surface of the wall is turned into a blurry illuminated canvas with glass block wall, backed by a grid of red neon. The surface is a one of a kind for the properties in this survey and the genre that it represents.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Paint; Graphics; Steel; Plastic; Glass; Fascia
Mixed Content
Photograph of The Griffin sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017
Date
2017-06-28
2017-08-15
Archival Collection
Description
The sign for The Griffin sits at 511 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 511 Fremont St
Sign owner: Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh
Sign details: Opened in February of 2007 as a medieval British pub/ tavern style bar. This location brought on a wave of revitalization of the East Fremont District especially since many new bars/restaurants started to open in this area after this bar did.
Sign condition: 5- still looks relatively new
Sign form: Blade and overlay neon on building
Sign-specific description: Placed above the entrance their brick building the letters The Griffin Cocktails is painted with white block letters outlined with black paint is painted on the building itself. These letters have skeletal neon surrounding the letters. The Griffin letters are yellow tubes and do illuminate green at night, the word cocktails lights up white. To the left of the entrance but still on the building is a green painted griffin drinking a painted white martini ( also all outlined with black paint) The neon tubing outlining the griffin is a yellow tubing but glows green at night ( possibly argon inserted to make it glow green). The Blade is placed a little left of the entrance and hangs off of the building by two blue steel beams, but in between the beams is a beautiful swirl design. At the top of the Blade there is a green griffin sipping a martini (same design as the one painted on the building). At the base of the griffin is white THE letters painted with skeletal neon. Then below is the blue portion of the blade spelling out GRIFFIN in a Britannic looking font in white channeled letters which do illuminate white at night. This part of the blade is outlined in neon ,possibly argon, since it does illuminate blue at night. On the side of the blade ( if you're looking from the road) there are about 14 red curved neon tubes lining the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel and Brick Wall
Sign - non-neon treatments: Using the brick wall as a portion of the sign is a design not seen often in Vegas.
Sign animation: Oscillation of red neon tubes on the side of the sign.
Sign environment: Located in the Fremont East District in between Las Vegas Blvd. and 6th St. This location has The Vault to the East of it and The Smashed Pig Gastropub to the west. It is across the street from the Park and Evil Pie. In the middle of the street right in front of the Griffin Bar is the Martini Glass sign.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Owners Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh-Aaron stated that the blade portion of the sign was inspired by the old Boulder Club Blade sign
Sign - date of installation: Slightly before they opened so late 2006/early 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Griffin shows that it has a medieval and kind of fantasy kind of feel since its interior does have that cool medieval tavern vibe to it, especially with their fireplaces. Using their brick wall as a part of the sign is a cool innovative way to use their space and stay true to their theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Medieval theme. The blade is a prominent theme in the 50s/60s, though their blade sign was inspired by the Boulder Club (opened 1931-1960) blade.
Survey - research locations: Acessors page, outreach to owner Aaron Chepenik
Survey - research notes: Possible use of argon within their yellow painted tubes, similar to the Yucca Motel signs leaves.
Survey - other remarks: The Blade does look very similar to the Boulder Club blade, so its awesome to see modern properties paying homage to the ones that are no longer around.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-15
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Steel; Neon; Blade; Fascia; Building-front design
Site address: 511 Fremont St
Sign owner: Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh
Sign details: Opened in February of 2007 as a medieval British pub/ tavern style bar. This location brought on a wave of revitalization of the East Fremont District especially since many new bars/restaurants started to open in this area after this bar did.
Sign condition: 5- still looks relatively new
Sign form: Blade and overlay neon on building
Sign-specific description: Placed above the entrance their brick building the letters The Griffin Cocktails is painted with white block letters outlined with black paint is painted on the building itself. These letters have skeletal neon surrounding the letters. The Griffin letters are yellow tubes and do illuminate green at night, the word cocktails lights up white. To the left of the entrance but still on the building is a green painted griffin drinking a painted white martini ( also all outlined with black paint) The neon tubing outlining the griffin is a yellow tubing but glows green at night ( possibly argon inserted to make it glow green). The Blade is placed a little left of the entrance and hangs off of the building by two blue steel beams, but in between the beams is a beautiful swirl design. At the top of the Blade there is a green griffin sipping a martini (same design as the one painted on the building). At the base of the griffin is white THE letters painted with skeletal neon. Then below is the blue portion of the blade spelling out GRIFFIN in a Britannic looking font in white channeled letters which do illuminate white at night. This part of the blade is outlined in neon ,possibly argon, since it does illuminate blue at night. On the side of the blade ( if you're looking from the road) there are about 14 red curved neon tubes lining the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel and Brick Wall
Sign - non-neon treatments: Using the brick wall as a portion of the sign is a design not seen often in Vegas.
Sign animation: Oscillation of red neon tubes on the side of the sign.
Sign environment: Located in the Fremont East District in between Las Vegas Blvd. and 6th St. This location has The Vault to the East of it and The Smashed Pig Gastropub to the west. It is across the street from the Park and Evil Pie. In the middle of the street right in front of the Griffin Bar is the Martini Glass sign.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Owners Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh-Aaron stated that the blade portion of the sign was inspired by the old Boulder Club Blade sign
Sign - date of installation: Slightly before they opened so late 2006/early 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Griffin shows that it has a medieval and kind of fantasy kind of feel since its interior does have that cool medieval tavern vibe to it, especially with their fireplaces. Using their brick wall as a part of the sign is a cool innovative way to use their space and stay true to their theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Medieval theme. The blade is a prominent theme in the 50s/60s, though their blade sign was inspired by the Boulder Club (opened 1931-1960) blade.
Survey - research locations: Acessors page, outreach to owner Aaron Chepenik
Survey - research notes: Possible use of argon within their yellow painted tubes, similar to the Yucca Motel signs leaves.
Survey - other remarks: The Blade does look very similar to the Boulder Club blade, so its awesome to see modern properties paying homage to the ones that are no longer around.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-15
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Steel; Neon; Blade; Fascia; Building-front design
Mixed Content
Photograph of the front of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada, circa 1946-1950s
Date
1946 to 1959
Archival Collection
Description
A view of the front of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall. A banner advertising "Cooled by refrigeration always pleasant" is visible on the right-hand side of the building. The Golden Nugget opened in 1946, and is the first structure designed from the ground up to be a casino. Steve Wynn became the majority shareholder in 1973, and built the first tower in 1977. In 1984, the neon was removed from the building and the spa tower was built, along with the showroom. The third tower was opened in 1989. The hotel now has 2,419 rooms and suites. The casino's large hotel sign at its entrance off Fremont and Casino Center was removed in 1984 when the casino underwent renovations. The old sign presently sits at the YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company) sign yard.
Image
Photograph of the Westerner Gambling Hall and Saloon, Las Vegas, Nevada, circa 1931-1943
Date
1931 to 1943
Archival Collection
Description
Workers on scaffolding on the exterior of the Westerner Gambling Hall and Saloon (owned by the Stockers). Next door are Kolstad's Toggery men's store and the Monte Carlo Club. A truck for the Young Electric Sign Company is parked in front of the Westerner. Site Name: Westerner Gambling Hall and Saloon (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Image
Photographs of Fantasia signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the Fantasia gift shop on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2800 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Fantasia on the Strip is located north of the Circus Circus, among the smaller properties located the northern end of the Strip before Sahara Avenue. The building faces east, only separated from the street by a small parking lot, which runs along the front of the property. The two-story building is adorned with a building length message cabinet, and sculpted, patterned raceways. The sign extends north across a drive designating parking in the rear. A small pole sign also sits on the east edge of the property.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 4 Lighting 4 The Fantasia establishments signage looks decently weathered up close, for the colors and paint treatments are in good condition. The structure of the sign has a couple of anomalies that are apparent. The pole sign on the street side of the property has no face on the triangular portion of the surface. The far right hand side of the building fascia makes an uncomfortable transition into the support structure from the ground.
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The design is a building front, message cabinet running the length of the facade of the building, facing east. The white, steel, paneled front cabinet contains Blue and red plastic text. The larger fonts run the entire length of the sign and read "Souvenirs, T-shirts, Gifts, Indian Jewelry, Moccasins, Liquor," in an "old west" style text seen on properties such as the Frontier. This arrangement's color is blue. The bottom line of text is smaller and is broken up into three separate phrases and distributed evenly across the surface. The left side reads, " Jewelry, Belts, Hats, Cactus" in red cursive. The center is blue western font, reading "Las Vegas Souvenirs." The right hand side is red cursive again reading "Sundries, Food, Beer Wine, Ice." The bottom and top edges are lined with yellow raceways with incandescent bulbs. The top edge is created by a repeating series of raceway arches, matching the finish of the other edges. The top edge of repeating arches continues north past the edge of the cabinet onto a smaller, much thinner cabinet. The thinner cabinet looks as is if it is a continuation of the main sign with pieces cut out of it. The arches continue to the end of the extension and down connecting to a steel I-beam linked to the ground. The smaller plane reads "park in rear" in red, plastic, all capital, letters. Raceway arrows protrude through the bottom of the sign, pointing through the entrance it creates for traffic. The arrows are arranged on the bottom edge as if they are extensions of the imaginary points created by the meeting of the downward strokes two sides of two arches. Across the very top of the main banner, a narrow, red, steel cabinet reads the word "Fantasia" in white script. The script is surfaced with neon. Near the street, on the northern portion of the property, a pole sign holds an internally lit cabinet. The frame of the cabinet is a blue raceway whose western edge is fashioned into an arrow shape. White plastic comprises the face of the sign, which faces north south, and does not reach into the arrow section. It is a skeleton of a frame, with nothing in the middle. Translucent vinyl lettering is present on the face of the sign and reads "Liquor, Moccasins, Indian Jewelry 1/2 off," in all capital letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: The only animation present is the animation of the incandescent bulbs on all the raceways surrounding the signs. The bulbs chase each other from left to right.
Sign environment: The fueling station resides on the northern edge of the strip before Sahara Avenue. Directly to the east, across the street is the Sahara Hotel Casino, but is flanked by smaller non-resort related properties. Along with the other two properties to the north and to the south, they seem as functional aspects for tourists and patrons of the larger properties of the Circus Circus and the Sahara. Almost dwarfed by the two nearby giants the properties can easily go unnoticed without the treatment of the illumination.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: There is no real theme associated with the property other than being a typical Las Vegas strip shopping establishment. The unique array of raceways and chasing incandescent bulbs are reminiscent of the countless canvass of the same design technique seen all of the strip, yet retain a hint of originality with it's arched pattern. Another widely used element , present in the design, is the internally lit message center. These two simple elements are used in conjunction to create a unique display typical to the Las Vegas Strip. It fits into the context of the Las Vegas strip as one of the many gift shops, but stands out as one of the larger ones, with the most vibrant signage.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint
Site address: 2800 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Fantasia on the Strip is located north of the Circus Circus, among the smaller properties located the northern end of the Strip before Sahara Avenue. The building faces east, only separated from the street by a small parking lot, which runs along the front of the property. The two-story building is adorned with a building length message cabinet, and sculpted, patterned raceways. The sign extends north across a drive designating parking in the rear. A small pole sign also sits on the east edge of the property.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 4 Lighting 4 The Fantasia establishments signage looks decently weathered up close, for the colors and paint treatments are in good condition. The structure of the sign has a couple of anomalies that are apparent. The pole sign on the street side of the property has no face on the triangular portion of the surface. The far right hand side of the building fascia makes an uncomfortable transition into the support structure from the ground.
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The design is a building front, message cabinet running the length of the facade of the building, facing east. The white, steel, paneled front cabinet contains Blue and red plastic text. The larger fonts run the entire length of the sign and read "Souvenirs, T-shirts, Gifts, Indian Jewelry, Moccasins, Liquor," in an "old west" style text seen on properties such as the Frontier. This arrangement's color is blue. The bottom line of text is smaller and is broken up into three separate phrases and distributed evenly across the surface. The left side reads, " Jewelry, Belts, Hats, Cactus" in red cursive. The center is blue western font, reading "Las Vegas Souvenirs." The right hand side is red cursive again reading "Sundries, Food, Beer Wine, Ice." The bottom and top edges are lined with yellow raceways with incandescent bulbs. The top edge is created by a repeating series of raceway arches, matching the finish of the other edges. The top edge of repeating arches continues north past the edge of the cabinet onto a smaller, much thinner cabinet. The thinner cabinet looks as is if it is a continuation of the main sign with pieces cut out of it. The arches continue to the end of the extension and down connecting to a steel I-beam linked to the ground. The smaller plane reads "park in rear" in red, plastic, all capital, letters. Raceway arrows protrude through the bottom of the sign, pointing through the entrance it creates for traffic. The arrows are arranged on the bottom edge as if they are extensions of the imaginary points created by the meeting of the downward strokes two sides of two arches. Across the very top of the main banner, a narrow, red, steel cabinet reads the word "Fantasia" in white script. The script is surfaced with neon. Near the street, on the northern portion of the property, a pole sign holds an internally lit cabinet. The frame of the cabinet is a blue raceway whose western edge is fashioned into an arrow shape. White plastic comprises the face of the sign, which faces north south, and does not reach into the arrow section. It is a skeleton of a frame, with nothing in the middle. Translucent vinyl lettering is present on the face of the sign and reads "Liquor, Moccasins, Indian Jewelry 1/2 off," in all capital letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: The only animation present is the animation of the incandescent bulbs on all the raceways surrounding the signs. The bulbs chase each other from left to right.
Sign environment: The fueling station resides on the northern edge of the strip before Sahara Avenue. Directly to the east, across the street is the Sahara Hotel Casino, but is flanked by smaller non-resort related properties. Along with the other two properties to the north and to the south, they seem as functional aspects for tourists and patrons of the larger properties of the Circus Circus and the Sahara. Almost dwarfed by the two nearby giants the properties can easily go unnoticed without the treatment of the illumination.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: There is no real theme associated with the property other than being a typical Las Vegas strip shopping establishment. The unique array of raceways and chasing incandescent bulbs are reminiscent of the countless canvass of the same design technique seen all of the strip, yet retain a hint of originality with it's arched pattern. Another widely used element , present in the design, is the internally lit message center. These two simple elements are used in conjunction to create a unique display typical to the Las Vegas Strip. It fits into the context of the Las Vegas strip as one of the many gift shops, but stands out as one of the larger ones, with the most vibrant signage.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint
Mixed Content
Film transparency of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada, July, 1949
Date
1949-05
Archival Collection
Description
A view of the front of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall. A banner advertising "Cooled by refrigeration always pleasant" is visible on the right-hand side of the building. The Nugget Saloon and a Shell gas station sign is visible in the background. The Golden Nugget opened in 1946, and is the first structure designed from the ground up to be a casino. Steve Wynn became the majority shareholder in 1973, and built the first tower in 1977. In 1984, the neon was removed from the building and the spa tower was built, along with the showroom. The third tower was opened in 1989. The hotel now has 2,419 rooms and suites. The casino's large hotel sign at its entrance off Fremont and Casino Center was removed in 1984 when the casino underwent renovations. The old sign presently sits at the YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company) sign yard.
Image