The Star Motel sign sits at 1418 South Third Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1418 S 3rd St
Sign owner: M V Star Group LLC
Sign details: 0.33 acre lot, originally constructed in 1947.
Sign condition: 4 - The sign is in excellent condition, but it does not light up at night.
Sign form: Pole sign
Sign-specific description: The sign itself is attached to a silver pole that extends out toward 3 rd St and is planted into the ground. On the top of the pole is a bright, blue star with a smaller white star in the center. The neon tubes attached to the sign are in concentric star shapes radiating out from the center. Extending out from the star to 3 rd st and curving back towards the pole that hold the sign is a trail implying that this is a shooting star. The first third of this trail is white and then the paint changes to yellow and remains yellow for the rest of the trail. The entire trail of the star is covered with yellow incandescent light bulbs. There are three very thin steel poles on the opposite side of the star from where the trail is attached. These smaller poles run parallel to the main pole of the sign and end about the same place where the tail of the star ends at the other side of the pole. Attached to these thin poles are stars ranging in size and made out of neon tubes. About at the midpoint of the main pole supporting the sign is a minimal, bright blue arrow that has "MOTEL" painted on it in bold white letters with a black outline. Neon tubes in the shape of each letter are attached to the center of the letters. Attached to the bottom of the tail end of this arrow is a smaller, minimal, black arrow that has "VACANCY" painted on it in bold white letters. Neon tubes in the shape of these letters fill this sign as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: Unknown, as it no longer lights. However according to RoadArch.com, at one time it might have flashed.
Sign environment: The property is in the heart of the Arts District. It resides next to many other small motels in this neighborhood. It is only a few blocks away from Main Street and Charleston where there are many art galleries, restaurants, and vintage boutiques.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1950s
Sign - date of redesign/move: Based on earlier photographs from the 1950's, the sign's main star that is blue with a smaller white star in the center was originally all white. Also, the white and yellow trail it leaves behind was initially all yellow as well. It is also believed that there were more stars attached to the metal bars that extend from the blue and white star and that they would have flashed.
Sign - thematic influences: A popular theme for properties during this time was the Space Age and this is sign is an example of that influential theme.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign shows an influence of the Space Age that was going on during the late 50's. Many motel signs in the city evoked the theme for the property and this sign does so for the Star Motel.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website, Vintage Vegas, www.roadarch.com
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-21
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Pole sign

The world famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" sign sits at 5200 South Las Vegas Boulevard. 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 was originally installed 1959, quickly became an iconic sign for Las Vegas. Betty Willis never trademarked the sign. Betty Willis died at 91 in 2015. Betty Willis also designed the Moulin Rouge and Blue Angel Motel signs. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a 25 foot sign which is considered smaller than a lot of the other signs in Las Vegas.
Sign condition: 5, Taken care of by YESCO and Clark County
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The base of this sign is a blue rectangle outline. The main portion of the sign is a white rhombus shape. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas written in red and blue on a translucent white background. The word "Welcome" is spelled in red skeletal neon on Silver Coins with each letter on its own coin. On the back of the sign it states Drive Safely Come back Soon. This plastic portion of the sign is surrounded by incandescent light bulbs. On the top left portion of the sign where the blue base of the sign comes out of the top of the sign is the famous red star that is outlined in neon.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, Neon and back lit plastic.
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign animation: Chaser for Incandescent light bulbs on the border of the sign.
Sign environment: This sign is in the median of Las Vegas Blvd. near the South most end of the Strip. This location has Mandalay Bay to the west of it and the airport to the east.
Sign manufacturer: Western Neon
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign - date of installation: 1959
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 2000s redesign of the median to accommodate parking for visitors.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is designed in the Googie style. This sign also has symbolism with the words Welcome, as each letter is on a silver coin to represent Nevada as the Silver State.
Sign - artistic significance: One of the most Significant signs for Las Vegas. It is easily recognizable and ingrained as part of Las Vegas culture.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Sun article https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/21/fabulous-las-vegas-sign-garners-historic-designati/ , Vegas website https://www.vegas.com/attractions/on-the-strip/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ http://www.lasvegaswhereto.com/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ Neon Museum Tour outline , Vintage Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/welcome+to+fabulous+las+vegas
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Chasing; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Incandescent; Neon; Pylon

Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text fascia sign just to the north of the giant glass display illuminates with a background of neon tubing which chases from right to left. The pattern of colors running across are a sequence banks of red, pink purple and blue vertical neon tubing, chase each other creating a pulsating movement of the individual banks of these colors. While they are animating, the channel letters, which spell "Riviera," are dark and proceed to light up one letter at a time. Once all lit they remain lit, until the background stops with all the bars illuminated. Once all the bars are lit, the interiors of the letters turn off one at a time starting on the far right. The giant mirrored section of the building, advertising for the Splash stage show. The sequence can be best described from its dramatic powering up. The entire sign comes alive with a rapid upward chasing pattern covering the surface of the tower. Once alive, small white bulbs grow out of the end of the space on the top and bottom of the end of the "Splash" text. Once all the previous elements are illuminated, the letters in the Splash logo shut off, illuminate one letter at a time in red neon, then the white neon figure of the seal balancing a ball on the end of it's nose, lights up. The neon bordered circular raceway, then animates with the bulbs in the center chasing each other in a clock-wise sequence. Once lit the vast array of white bulbs grown out of the end of the text begin to gently oscillate, as well as the sparse assortment of floating and attached incandescent bulbs on the wall of the tower. Once the bulbs animate for a few seconds, the entire wall chases downward, becoming black as night, except for the Slash logo text. Underneath the entire front side of the western face of the Riviera, the incandescent bulbs which cover the entire surface oscillate in a wildly, while the ringed entablature on the wall animates quietly in comparison. The multi-colored rings of neon tubing chase each other from left to right, chasing the distance then repeating. The sequence then changes direction and chase from left to right. Creating the tops and bottoms of the entablature are raceways lined with incandescent bulbs that chase each other from left to right. On the surface of the west wall incandescent bulbs chase each other along the raceways which run horizontally around the internally lit cabinets. The small vertical raceways which run inside the clear plastic boxes chase each other from top to bottom, but all the raceways are offset to each other by a few seconds. At the North end of the property the signage for the Riviera's, "Nickeltown" gambling attraction, dominates the corner. He animation on the large exploding sculptural fountain lights up the entire corner. The three rocketing pieces of steel are wrapped in repeating bands of their corresponding colors of blue, purple and yellow. All three simultaneously chase from bottom to top, until completely lit. Then they begin to animate in a chasing pattern from bottom to top. After a few moments of chasing, they chase from beginnig to top once more, leaving al the tubes dark in its path. Along the circular entablature, which runs the circumference of the top mass of the fountain, incandescent bulbs chase each other from right to left, but only on the side which faces the casino. The wall, which faces north, contains the multicolored banks of vertical neon bars that animate in a specific pattern. They chase each other from right to left, then only the purple neon tubing illuminates, they chase again, then only the blue neon tubing illuminates. They chase once again, and then only the gold bars illuminate. The bars chase yet one more time, then all of the tubing illuminates, thus ending the sequence. The main entrance to nickel town is adorned with neon text and images, but only the stars higher up on the wall itself animate. The incandescent bulbs elevated above the surface of the mirrored wall, animate in a soft oscillating pattern, adding the twinkling effect. The larger five pointed stars are animated on the interior by a center of oscillating incandescent bulbs, while concentric neon shapes echo outward in the yellow, purple and blue colors seen on the adjacent wall facing north. The smaller snow-flake esque star shapes are alive with oscillating incandescent bulbs. Looking upward along the north face of the closest tower, the giant vertical, Riviera channel letters animate one character at a time, oscillate then shuts off.

The Park on Fremont sign sits at 506 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 506 Fremont St
Sign owner: Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty both with Corner Bar Management Group
Sign details: This building was constructed in 1956. Though the Park on Fremont opened in 2013 in the former Maharaja Hookah Cafe though the building's exterior was renovated to have more of a wooden facade. This place is claimed as a gastro-pub with rustic-chic decor. Their outside urban beer garden is well recognized with its cool rustic design presenting a teeter totter and a CInderella-like carriage.
Sign condition: 5, very good condition and has bright colors during the day and night
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: They have a long oval shaped blade placed on the left side of the building which is neighboring the public parking lot next door. The oval part of the blade is black with white letters spelling out PARK from the top to the bottom in a thick type font. These letters illuminate green at night time. Surrounding the black oval is a red arrow pointing towards the building (not the entrance) with LED light bulbs which illuminates yellow at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon and LED lights
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED lights
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: LED lights around the perimeter of the blade.
Sign environment: This is the first bar/restaurant on the north side of the Fremont St. East district. To the west of the building is a public parking lot where YESCOs free-standing PBR sign Cool Blue is stationed. To the east is the RED dance club
Sign manufacturer: All Star Electrical Signs
Sign - date of installation: 2013
Sign - thematic influences: The blade with an arrow is is used on many other bar signs in the east Fremont District. Though many of these blade signs are above the entrance this one is on the left side of their building possibly to attract foot traffic from the Fremont Street Experience.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade with an arrow was a prominent sign design in the 50s and 60s.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Park on Fremont Website https://parkonfremont.com/ , UNLV (bio on Justin Weniger) https://www.unlvfootballfoundation.com/people/justin-weniger/ , google map roadside view, and contact with manager.
Survey - research notes: Owners Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty founded WENDOH Media which showcases Vegas Seven magazine, DTLV.com, RunRebs.com, SPYONvegas.com, Critical Focus, Corner Bar Management and the Life is Beautiful Festival. With the Corner Bar Management they also own the Commonwealth which is downtown as well.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; LED; Steel; Chasing; Incandescent; Directional

Information about the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino sign that sits at 129 E Fremont St.
Site name: Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 129 E Fremont St
Sign owner: Landry's INC
Sign details: This location opened in 1946 by Guy McAfee, a vice captain with the LAPD. It was bought by Steve Wynn in 1973 and remodeled in 1984.
Sign condition: 5- their sign has stayed in good condition since its installation
Sign form: Architectural
Sign-specific description: Their original concept was an old west cowboy theme and design with a Gold rush inspiration. Steve Wynn remodeled for a modest, modern design to the building almost abandoning the original design and theme. Currently there are many logos of "GOLDEN NUGGET" channeled letters containing incandescent light bulbs that have some exterior skeletal neon surrounding the letters. There are also LED lights surrounding most of the top of the first floor of the building. Also above the entrances there is a satin-like metallic gold material.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, LED and some neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Metallic gold material above entrances
Sign animation: Flashing Incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Located Downtown Las Vegas in the hearth of the Fremont Street Experience, across from Binion's and the Four Queens.
Sign manufacturer: AD-ART(1988)
Sign - date of installation: 1988
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 1980's Steve Wynn remodeled from the YESCO Kermit Wayne 1961 design to the current facade is installed between 1984-87
Sign - thematic influences: The Gold coloring in the lights and the metallic section of the sign above their entrance showcase their modern twist on their old theme.
Survey - research locations: Ad Art contact, Charles Banard's The Magic Sign, Neon Museum tour outline , Vintage Vegas Website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Golden+Nugget
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; LED; Neon; Steel; Flashing

Information about the McDonald's sign that sits at 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Site address: 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Mcdonalds Restaurant of NV 04873 Mcdonalds USA, LLC and Harrah's Las Vegas LLC
Sign details: Part of Harrahs property
Sign condition: 5 - great condition, fully functional seems well kept up
Sign form: Back to Back architectural sign
Sign-specific description: Large arch that rests on the side of the building playing off the name "golden arches" for Mcdonald's, a small cabinet sits on the middle of the sign with the full name of Mcdonalds and a small M on the edge of the cabinet. The arch is yellow covered in yellow neon tubing, the cabinet is red with white lettering for the name, the name in white, small M is yellow. The Neon tubing is animated in the sense it will flash on and off and then chase up the arch towards the building, the words and the M stay lit at all times. The sign is on even during the day as shown in many youtube videos. It also has a red base on the sidewalk where guests walk by with another small M in yellow. It looks like the lettering for Mcdonald's and the M are made of plastic and are internally lit.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent bulbs
Sign - media: Steel, fiberglass/plastic
Sign animation: Yes, neon flashes on and off then chases up the archway to meet in the middle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQcsd2-GdfY&t=2922s (21 minutes in)
Sign environment: Casino Resorts
Sign - thematic influences: No particular theme except for a play on the name "Golden Arches", probably made to look like the rest of the large neon signs on the strip, their take on "Las Vegas Signage".
Sign - artistic significance: Typical large and bright las vegas signage
Survey - research locations: Museum
Survey - other remarks: Almost no information on this location
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-17
Sign keywords: Architectural; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Fiberglass; Plastic; Flashing; Chasing; Back to back

Information about the US Motel sign that sits at 2500 Fremont St.
Site address: 2500 Fremont St
Sign owner: Catish T C 2006 Liv, Tr - Kootish & Chalung Trs
Sign details: 0.65 acre lot original constructed in 1954
Sign condition: 4 - decent condition, some rust, broken neon stars, repainted July 2017 by owners, some sun damage on reader board.
Sign form: Architectural sign (ontop of building) single sided
Sign-specific description: The architectural sign that is perched on top of the building is single sided except for the reader board that gives more info on the motel, details of reader board is painted on. Half of reader board is painted - the right side is left unpainted. Pole sign has the word "Motel" reading up and down surrounded by skeleton neon tubing, with the word ".U.S." on top of the pole with stars as the dots, skeletal neon on that as well. US MOTEL is only one sides where as the reader board is double sided. At night the word "MOTEL" would light up red with white neon outlining each letter. The stars around the U and S at the top would glow bright yellow, the "U" and "S" would glow with blue circles (unknown if neon or colored bulbs) with a yellow outline. The stars next to the word "MOTEL" light up a pale blue outline.
Sign - type of display: Neon and possible incandescent
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign environment: Motel is surrounded by other motels, stores and restaurants.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1955
Sign - date of redesign/move: Repaint July 2017
Sign - thematic influences: Patriotic
Survey - research locations: Motel site, assessor's office website
Survey - research notes: Approached owner behind front desk, he was unsure of origin of the sign, nor what company he had repaint the sign.
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-13
Sign keywords: Architectural; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Reader board; Pole sign; Roof Sign