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Photographs of Pamplemousse Le Restaurant, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017

Date

2017-03-03
2017-08-27

Description

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

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Description

Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The logo cabinets which adorn the entrances on the elevated walkways: The letters start with both rows of text in the off position. The top row flashes on, while the bottom row is dark then the bottom row illuminates, as the top row goes dark. Once the top row flashes off it flashes back on so that both rows of text are briefly illuminated simultaneously before they both go dark and the sequence stars over again. While this is going on the incandescent bulbs which line all of the raceways are chasing each other from left to right on the horizontal planes, while the arched sections chase each other downward. The triangular peaks which radiate around the top of the logo sign, flash on and off in a sequence which chase each other downward. First the top center peak flashes on, then the next sequential triangular channel on both sides illuminate simultaneously, flash off, then the next two in the series illuminate. The resultant effect is a chasing pattern starting from the top. The sister animation is located on almost the exact same design on the porte cochere. I would think the previous smaller sign would be based on the larger porte cochere. The other variance besides obvious size difference is the that the channel letters are filled with incandescent bulbs instead of neon. The animation is a bit simpler as well. The incandescent bulbs oscillate continuously while the triangular pan channels which create the radiating crown, animate. The neon in the channels chase each other as described in the smaller walk way version, while the text continues until the entire text flashes off, then on, off, then begin to animate once again. All of the bulbs, which line the raceways of the exterior edge of the porte cochere, as well as the encrustation of bulbs on the brass bull nose portion, animate in rapid succession. All the raceway bulbs chase each other while the bulbs on the brass portion continually oscillate. Animation continues on the east face of the building with the entrances first. The principle for these two signs is oscillation and chasing. All bulbs on the underside of the entrance, as well as in the logo, oscillate rapidly. All bulbs on the raceways chase each other. Further on the surface of the building as well, the Pepsi cola wall sign is found displaying a very unique form of animation, seen here on the strip. The signage for the Pepsi ad is located on the eastern wall. (Detailed in specific description) The Incandescent bulbs which fill the inside of the text that spells Pepsi, chase each other from left to right, leaving all the bulbs in its path illuminated, as if writing out the word Pepsi. The neon bars located within the tilted bottle of Pepsi are illuminated, and chase each other downward, leaving the bars it its path dark. As this sequence in taking place, the waving tubes of neon illuminate, flashed subtly making the neon appear as soda pouring out of the bottle. As the tubing flows then the vertical neon bars in the cup illuminate one at a time making the cup appear as if it is filling up. The text above each of the painted fires head, flashes back and forth as if talking to each other as well. ESPN ZONE animation: The letters in the vertical blade portion of the ESPN Zone illuminate one at a time, starting from the top. Once the entire phrase is lit, in flashes off then on then off, before restating. The orange and red neon tubing which resides inside the pan channels that represent flames flash on and off in a relaxed manner as if to animate the flickering of the flames. The small incandescent bulbs on the black portions above the main matrix reader board flash on and off subtly.
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Video screen

Photographs of Holiday House Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 1, 2017

Date

2017-03-01
2017-08-30

Description

The Holiday House motel sign with a "For Sale" sign sits at 2211 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Formerly the Bagdad Inn, the property has been in operation since the early 50s. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2211 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The Holiday House Motel was originally the Bagdad Inn that opened up in the 1950's. The actual motel was possibly named after Bagdad California, a small ghost town in the San Bernardino county. This town was a former route 66 pit stop and later passed by with the new I-15 and I- 40 in the late 1970's. The motel changed its name in 1983 to Holiday House Motel. The motel currently has a for sale sign.
Sign condition: The sign is in a 4.5. There seems to not have much sun or wind damage to the sign. The color is still fresh.
Sign form: This is a two- pole squared structured sign.
Sign-specific description: The sign is a bright red squared basis. All aspects of the sign's advertisement are connected together in one large square. There is no separation within the structure; it just looks like one giant red canvas with words and would even suggest the sign is very minimal. At the bottom, right portion of the sign you will see a small reader board (currently the reader board has been covered with a for sale sign). Vertically on the left side is the word motel in white lettering. The holiday house font is in yellow incandescent lighting, and the font looks italicized. The no vacancy is in neon underneath the holiday house typography. Two white poles are what holds up the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent and fluorescent lighting.
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader board
Sign animation: Flasher for the incandescent light bulbs in the letters
Sign environment: This location is on the north end of the Strip across the street from the Stratosphere and near the Holiday Motel and Fun City Motel.
Sign - date of installation: 1983
Sign - date of redesign/move: In 1950's the sign was Bagdad Inn and in 1983 the establishment later changed into the Holiday House Motel.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign could have inspiration from the post modernism idea of open space and minimal design to "advertise" to consumers. This sign is very representative of 1970's designs.
Sign - artistic significance: Every portion of the sign was thoughtfully placed to hit the consumer in a fast and efficient way.
Survey - research locations: Vintage Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Holiday+House+Motel and Roadside Architecture http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html .
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Pole sign; Fluorescent; Roof Sign

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Photographs of Stratosphere signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 6, 2017

Date

2017-03-06
2017-07-12

Description

The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower sits north of the Las Vegas Strip at 2000 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: American Casino and Entertainment Properties
Sign details: This location was the site of Bob Stupak's Vegas World that opened in 1979. The Stratosphere opening in this location in 1996, the Stratosphere includes the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. Developed by Bob Stupak, the Stratosphere was meant to be a landmark for the city of Las Vegas. As the years progressed, plans for restaurants and thrill rides came to fruition and the hotel now boasts several popular attractions. From 1996 to 2010, the Stratosphere went through bankruptcy, remodeling, renovations, additions, and new ownership. The current owner, American Casino and Entertainment Properties, also owns three other properties in the Las Vegas area.
Sign condition: About 4-5, appears to have relatively low damage, if any
Sign form: Porte cochere near main entrance
Sign-specific description: Stratopshere in orange neon, three vertical, squiggly lines (red, blue) pointing up toward triangular shape; second neon sign on right side of front facade, "Stratopshere" in orange, overlaid on top of blue cloud shape and orange, poles
Sign - type of display: Neon and plastic back lit sign
Sign - media: Steel and Electronic Media Screen
Sign - non-neon treatments: Electronic Media Screen and plastic back lit sign
Sign animation: Flashing for the design behind their logo on their sign
Sign environment: Located on the North end of the strip on Sahara, just across the street from the SLS Casino.
Sign architect of record: Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1996 around opening
Sign - date of redesign/move: Around 2014/15 the background colors of the sign switched from a blue sky color to a pink/purple design.
Sign - thematic influences: Design similar to radio transmission towers; Stupak compared his design to Eiffel Tower and Space Needle (Seattle).
Survey - research locations: Stratosphere website http://www.stratospherehotel.com/?&mkwid=s0JHs4Hf3_dc&pcrid=102775265532&pkw=stratosphere%20las%20vegas&pmt=p&gclid=CjwKCAjwhOvPBRBxEiwAx2nhLp_Mtg7n6c-FUkbwYgY8MD3TJzgUWEp4WX1IgzePUlk1y-Rat_wmexoCJs8QAvD_BwE, recorder's office, Assessor's page
Survey - research notes: The top of the Stratosphere has blinking lights, but it is not confirmed if they are LED or Neon.
Surveyor: Carlyle Constantino
Survey - date completed: 2017-07-12
Sign keywords: Porte-cochère; Neon; Plastic; Steel; Flashing; Video screen; Incandescent

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Photographs of Dona Maria's Tamales Restaurant signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 13, 2017

Date

2017-03-13
2017-08-28

Description

Dona Maria's Tamales Restaurant sits at 910 South Las Vegas Boulevard. The family owned and operated eatery has been serving the valley for over thirty years. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 910 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Dona Maria Alfredo Martinez
Sign details: Alfredo Martinez and Elvia met each other in California as high school sweethearts. Alfredo was a soccer player and Elvia a cheerleader who always watched his matches. After high school the two of them married and started a new chapter in their life in Las Vegas. Alfredo has a love of cooking traditional Mexican cuisine and soon taught Elvia his family recipes. In 1980 they opened their first restaurant a four table fast food operation on Charleston and 10th. Three years later after great success the four table operation grew into a full time restaurant where their location moved to 910 S. Las Vegas BLVD. For years their restaurant won many awards that led the couple to open another establishment in 1993.
Sign condition: The sign is a 4 out of 5, for the family maintains the sign. The paint on the sign is fading so it could use a new layer of paint to update the color hue.
Sign form: Pylon and entrance sign
Sign-specific description: The sign uses pale turquoise and soft pink hues to stand out. It resembles 1980s southwestern color palette. The sign is rectangular shaped with the background as the soft pink and font as turquoise. Dona Maria's font is in white and the background is maroon surrounding the letters. The border outline for the rectangular shaped sign is also in the color Turquoise to make the soft pink pop out. The base of the sign is bright custard concrete yellow attached to the building.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Concrete and steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Small portion of the sign is back lit plastic
Sign environment: This location is on Las Vegas Blvd close to Charleston. It is next door to the Gateway Motel, as well as close to the Goodwhich, the Millennium Fandom Bar and a 7/11.
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1983
Sign - thematic influences: The theme resembles the prominent late 1970's/early 1980s Southwestern color palette. The sign is very colorful that resembles many Mexican restaurants that are quite colorful naturally.
Sign - artistic significance: Artistic themes is very 80s in terms of color palette, but also utilizes colors that is representative of Mexican culture.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Dona Maria's Website for the history- https://www.donamariatamales.com/our-history/
Survey - research notes: In 1980 the restaurant expanded and grew from their location at 10th and Charleston to 910 S. LV, BLVD S.
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-28
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Backlit; Plastic; Building-front design; Back to back; Pole sign

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Photographs of Boulder Station sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 27, 2017

Date

2017-03-27
2017-09-27

Description

The Boulder Station Hotel and Casino sign sits at 4111 Boulder Highway. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 4111 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Stations Casino Company
Sign details: This location opened in 1991 and is considered a locals casino. They have a similar train station theme to a few of the other Stations Casino properties used to have. This location also holds a movie theater.
Sign condition: 5- still in very good condition and lights up very brightly at night still
Sign form: Pylon, Porte cochere and semi-decorated shed
Sign-specific description: The main pylon sign has a two white steel bases with a reader board on the bottom, a plasma t.v. screen on top of the reader board and the main portion of the sign with their logo above. Their main logo is a green train front with a yellow neon trim with curved maroon ovals on it stating "Boulder Station" and "Hotel-Casino" underneath it in channeled white letters that contain flashing incandescent. The porte cochere sign above their valet is in a rainbow shape stating "Boulder Station" in sparkling incandescent. With red letters underneath stating "Hotel" in red neon. Also on the main hotel tower there are the same "Boulder Station" letters in incandescent lights outlined in red neon as well. Also the word "Casino" is also in incandescent lights on the side of the building. There are also LED lights that are chasing outlining the whole building making a semi-decorated shed look.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent, LED, LED plasma screen
Sign - media: Steel and plastic for reader board
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader board and Plasma screen
Sign animation: Flashing incandescents and Chasing LED lights
Sign environment: This location is on Boulder Hwy on the way to Henderson/Boulder City. This location is near a residential areas and is a neighbor to a Motel 6.
Sign - date of installation: Has been up since at least 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Their train theme is portrayed well in their pylon sign. Also the train theme could be considered an homage to early Vegas history as a railroad stop.
Sign - artistic significance: The pylon sign is very similar to the Fiesta Rancho sign which is also a station casino with the reader board and plasma screen. This sign is almost identical in design to the old Palace Station sign.
Survey - research locations: Palace Station sign. Surveyor Notes 1. Research locations (archAsessor's page, Boulder Station website https://boulderstation.sclv.com/ , Station's Casino website https://www.sclv.com/, google maps satellite/ road view
Survey - research notes: Station's Casinos have 10 casinos in Las Vegas and have been present in the community for the past 40 years.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-27
Sign keywords: Pylon; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Chasing; Plasma display

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Photographs of Fiesta sign at dusk, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 2, 2017

Date

2017-04-02
2017-09-06

Description

The Fiesta Rancho Hotel and Casino sits at 2400 North Rancho Drive. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2400 N Rancho Dr
Sign owner: Stations Casinos Inc.
Sign details: This location was constructed in 1995 as the Fiesta, but in 2001 Stations Casino bought out the casino and renamed it Fiesta Rancho. Stations Casinos Inc. that own this casino have a chain of 9 resort casinos and a number of smaller casinos in the Las Vegas Valley that are popular along the local community here in Las Vegas. The Fiesta Rancho has a sister property named Fiesta Henderson which also has an ice rink as well as identical sign designs.
Sign condition: 4 - the lights still shine very brightly on this one but the colors on the sign have faded over the years and look more like pastel colors when they used to be very vibrant
Sign form: Marquee and Entrance Sign
Sign-specific description: The marquee on Rancho Dr. has concrete bases with a big plasma screen tv with a reader board underneath it. Above the T.V. screen they have a huge design with a purple background, but around this is yellow, orange, blue, green and pink streamers. These all illuminate the same color as the paint at night time. In the middle of the streamer design is channeled letters "Fiesta" in a curvy print font, and then the words "Casino Hotel" underneath it in a normal block type font. The letters illuminate white at night time. Above their main entrance to the casino they have big channeled letters stating " Fiesta" in the same font to their other signs that contain incandescent bulbs that flash at night. Underneath the incandescent "Fiesta" there are red channeled Neon signs stating "Race Sports Keno Bingo" that illuminate red.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Incandescents
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader Board and Plasma Screen
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent bulbs
Sign environment: This property is on North Rancho about a mile north of the 95 highway. It is located right next door to Texas Station, and is near a residential area.
Sign manufacturer: Possibly YESCO
Sign - date of installation: c. 2001
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the casino matches the sign with the fun party colors and ribbon streamers that they depict on their sign looks like a fiesta.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign is practically identical to the signage for Fiesta Henderson, for they based their sign off of this Fiesta Rancho sign design.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website, company website
Survey - research notes: Fiesta Rancho website https://fiestarancho.sclv.com/, Stations Casino page https://www.sclv.com/
Survey - other remarks: https://www.sclv.com/Casinos/PropertyMap Stations Casino website has an interactive map of their locations
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-06
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Flashing; Reader board; Marquee; Video screen; Pylon

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Photographs of El Sombrero Mexican Bistro sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017

Date

2017-03-03
2017-08-28

Description

The El Sombrero Mexican Bistro sign sits at 807 South Main Street. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 807 S Main St
Sign owner: Irma Aguirre
Sign details: This modest, family-owned restaurant has been in town since the 1950's. It was then sold to the current owner, Irma Aguirre, and closed for a brief moment for renovation in 2014. They have been serving favorites like burritos, enchiladas, taco, and tamales for six decades. Even with their modern updates, they are still staying as true to their past as they possibly can.
Sign condition: 5, the sign is still in beautiful condition.
Sign form: Hanging sign
Sign-specific description: The sign for the business extends out from the property towards the street. The rectangular sign is a bright blue that matches the color of the building. On the top outer corner of the sign sits a sombrero with a red and white striped band in the middle portion of the hat. The words "El Sombrero" are painted on the brim of the hat. There are skeletal neon tubes outline the hat and the words "El Sombrero." Next to this is a small sign, within the overall design of the rest of the sign, that is designed to look ripped on both sides and reads "Mexican Food" in red letters. Neon tubes outline these words. Underneath these elements of the sign is the word "CAFE" in bold white text with a thin black border. Neon tubes fill these letters as well. Extending from the bottom of the sign is a small rectangle with the building number "807" painted in black.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: The area that this restaurant sits is right between the Arts District and the excitement of Fremont Street. The locations nearby is a bail bond store, a supply stores for gaming, lawn equipment, and discount appliances. It is also a short distance from the North Premium Outlets.
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1950's
Sign - date of redesign/move: Possibly 2014, they closed this year to renovate the building and the sign looks different today from earlier images of the sign. Before they renovated the building the sign included some sort of striped scarf/cloth underneath the sombrero. However, after the renovation this must have been painted over.
Sign - thematic influences: The sombrero on the sign also lends itself to the name of the property and the "Mexican Food" sign within the sign explicitly tells you what type of restaurant this is. It tells you the theme right away.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign itself is very simple, but the few specific design elements of the sign are very distinct to the property. The sombrero is a nice touch to emphasize the name of the restaurant and the "Mexican Food" sign is helpful in letting both motorists and pedestrians know what type of food they serve.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas weekly article https://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/reviews/2014/nov/19/revamped-el-sombrero-cafe-mexican-downtown/ , Review Journal article https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/el-sombrero-a-mix-of-modern-classic/, asessor's page
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-28
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Hanging; Cantilever construction

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Photographs of Star Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017

Date

2017-03-03
2017-08-21

Description

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

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Photographs of White Cross Market, Las Vegas (Nev.), February 15, 2017

Date

2017-02-15
2017-08-11

Description

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

Mixed Content