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Photographs of Ginseng BBQ signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Daytime views of the Ginseng BBQ signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3765 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Down the driveway created between the Fatburger and Walgreen's structure is a slightly larger lot, which is home to the Ginseng BBQ establishment. The signage is a gateway, banner structure which leads to this slightly larger lot. It is visible standing directly in front of the Fatburger sign, looking east down the alley.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 3 Lighting 3
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: Attached to the section of the Fatburger building which houses the entrance to the Alan Albert's, and stretches across to the building which houses Walgreen's is a sign which is comprised of a horizontal overhead structure of steel beams, forming a lattice work or skeleton of an entrance. The top and bottom edges are white raceways with incandescent bulbs. Placed awkwardly along the bottom portion of the skeleton is a border of gold polished raceways with incandescent bulbs. There is no backing to the border, so it is simply an edge and nothing more inside this border consisting of the structure of the sign. The top and bottom edges of the structure are lined with incandescent bulbs. "Ginseng BBQ" is spelled in gold channel letters painted white on the inside, with red neon in the interior. The letters are all caps and centered inside the border. The sign faces west. The actual establishment is further east. through the gateway where a slightly larger lot is located, on the north face of the Walgreens side of the complex.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text, which resides on the southern wall and reads "Casino," is filled with incandescent bulbs that all illuminate at the same time, and oscillate. They then shut off at the same time, and then repeat. The raceways of incandescent bulbs chase each other while the neon, which surrounds the back lit, plastic, screens on this wall flash on then off. The bottom two raceways sandwiching the reflective panel chase from left to right, while the remainder of the raceways surrounding the signs, run right to left. The incandescent bulbs on the pylon chase each other gracefully up the length of the pylon. The animation is patterned so as to appear as if a section of several bulbs are pulsing its way up the towers, hugging the edge of the bulbous tops. The raceways continue around the east face of the building. The umbrellas in the plaza behind the pylon, also are animated with incandescent bulbs chasing each other downward along the raceways.
Sign environment: The environment which the Ginseng BBQ's establishment shares is dictated by its neighbors of Walgreen's and Fatburger. The small enclosure of a lot, which is in front of the store, follows after passing underneath the main logo text banner for the restaurant. It is hidden among the various neighboring businesses, being protected by the larger structure in front of it.
Sign manufacturer: Vision Sign
Sign - thematic influences: No real theme surrounds the signage other than it appears that it was pieced together from various other pieces of signage. The white, steel skeleton appears as if it was there previously, and the Ginseng sign was attached later. The theme that it does fit into is the small eateries which pop up among the strip malls and small shopping centers along the strip. It is also one of two different Ginseng BBQ establishment.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Steel

Mixed Content

Photographs of Las Vegas Helicopter Tours signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Nighttime views of the Las Vegas Helicopter Tours signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3712 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The establishment rests in a lot on the western side of the strip adjacent to the airfield, which is utilized for takeoff and landing of the aircraft. The Las Vegas Helicopter facility is also adjacent to and shares a building with a souvenir shop.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Las Vegas Helicopter tours facility possesses a quite elaborate wall sign which wraps the fascia of the building. The face of the building looks east. The eastern face is an entablature bordered in with polished gold aluminum raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. In the center of the eastern face of the narrow border transforms into a rectangular face, which juts upward. A giant pan channel representing the American flag occupies the space in the section. The horizontal red and white stripes are painted channels, and the blue field in the upper left- hand corner is a channel itself. The horizontal channels are lined with tubes of neon in a corresponding color. The blue field is bordered in blue neon, with incandescent bulbs in the center of graphically painted stars. The entire flag is bordered in red neon. The entablature below which runs along the entire face of the building plays home to several phrases of different text and designs. The center portion is taken up by a phrase "Las Vegas Helicopters," in black channel letters painted red on the interior. The exterior edge is lined with a border of red neon. The text is also filled with incandescent bulbs. To the left of the main title, smaller black, channel letters filled incandescent bulbs read, "Nightly Strip Rides" in all caps. The raceway deviated from the straight form underneath the secondary text, next to the primary title. On the bottom edge beneath the phrase, the raceway turns into an arrow pointing downward. The incandescent bulbs are still present along this deviation.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Glass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign manufacturer: Sign Systems, Inc
Sign - date of installation: 1996
Sign - thematic influences: There is no real present theme evident in the appearance other than the Emblem of the American flag crafted in neon on the front of the building. The incandescent bulb lined raceways and bulb filled channel letters, placed within a pediment hanging above the pedestrians head, posses a theme in a sense. It is a common occurrence to see such a combination of lighting among the strip to designate an establishment so its theme cold be considered to be that of Las Vegas. It's artistic significance can only be linked to such a trait. It is one of the most unique properties considering its function. Yes there are many facilities which offer tours but, this is the only one which provides helicopter tours that the pedestrian may watch take off. It is also one of the only establishments where the American flag is represented on the exterior in neon. It is also one of the only establishments where the incandescent bulb lined raceway is shaped into arrows. An interesting use of the most common adornment of exterior surveyed signage.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Glass; Graphics; Paint

Mixed Content

Photographs of Las Vegas World Souvenirs signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Daytime and nighttime views of the Las Vegas World Souvenirs signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3710 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: property leased from MGM Mirage
Sign details: Located in the same lowrise building which the Las Vegas Helicopter Tours is located. See Las Vegas Helicopter Tours.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5 All of the lighting, surface, and structure seem to be intact, and in good repair. The signage appears fairly new, and less worn.
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Las Vegas World Souvenir shop and market, boasts a collection of signage, almost completely crafted out of channel letters. The basic design is an entablature created on the wall above a pedestrian's head. The entablature runs along the south, east, and north faces of the building. The design is essentially channel letter words separated by channel designed stars. On the south wall the sequence reads, "star shape, 'drinks,' star, 'souvenirs,' star then 'market'." The interior of the star shapes are lined along the contours with yellow neon. The all caps lettering has red neon tubing on the interior. The sequence on the east side of the building reads from left to right, " star shape, 'Souvenirs,' star shape, 'Las Vegas World,' star shape, 'drinks,' then another star shape." The words "souvenir" and "drinks" are spelled in the same text and size as the south side, while the phrase "Las Vegas World" is larger fulfilling most of the height of the entablature. The north side of the building is similar to that on the south. This side reads , "Souvenirs, star shape, 'Market,' star shape, 'Film,' and another star shape." On the wall below the pediment closed face channel letters spell two phrases. The black channel letters are faced with red translucent faces. The first phrase reads , "Daily Grand Canyon Flights," in all caps. The second reads "Nightly strip rides in all capitals.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: Chasing
Sign manufacturer: Sign Systems, Inc
Sign - date of installation: 1996
Sign - thematic influences: There is no real present theme evident in the appearance other than the Emblem of the American flag crafted in neon on the front of the building. The incandescent bulb lined raceways and bulb filled channel letters, placed within a pediment hanging above the pedestrians head, posses a theme in a sense. It is a common occurrence to see such a combination of lighting among the strip to designate an establishment so its theme cold be considered to be that of Las Vegas. It's artistic significance can only be linked to such a trait. It is one of the most unique properties considering its function. Yes there are many facilities which offer tours but, this is the only one which provides helicopter tours that the pedestrian may watch take off. It is also one of the only establishments where the American flag is represented on the exterior in neon. It is also one of the only establishments where the incandescent bulb lined raceway is shaped into arrows. An interesting use of the most common adornment of exterior surveyed signage.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic

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Photographs of Sahara Hotel and Casino signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Nighttime views of the Sahara Hotel and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Sahara Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: William Bennett
Sign details: The Sahara lies at the northern most end of the survey, on Sahara, and Las Vegas Blvd The Sahara was remodeled in the late nineties to create an entirely new facade utilizing a large pylon, a porte cochere and various independent illuminated signs. On the eastern side of the property another porte cochere is located just west of Paradise Rd. across the street from the Sahara's original pylon.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Sign environment: The Sahara utilizes many of the new elements of Las Vegas to create an environment. The western side of the property facing the strip is composed of a giant pylon, a domed porte cochere, and a roller coaster for the themed attraction incorporated into the property. To the north across Sahara Ave. the Holy Cow casino gives way to the distinctly older and smaller venues on the remaining northern stretch of the strip, while the entire heart of the boulevard lies to the South. Palm trees and various foliage surround winding drives which lead up to the open air dome, fore the circular valet. Along the twisting lanes leading to the parking garage, you can see fiberglass figures riding on camels, and various text signage upon the structures. Walking through the lush surroundings toward the north side of the property, you encounter the giant pylon, being able to walk right up next to it. The roar of the rollercoaster is rather deafening as it zooms right over a pedestrians head, as the signage for the NASCAR gives way to human sight.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign designer: New Pylon: Jack M. Larsen Jr. and Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign - date of installation: 1996-2000
Sign - date of redesign/move: During the reconstruction which took place between 1996 and 2000, the original pylon was moved east across Paradise Rd
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Sahara is definitely linked to the desert theme so often seen throughout Las Vegas history. The name itself is the name of what is probably the most famous desert in the world. Elements of the design give way to this theme with rather heavy-handed iconography. Examples of this include the image of a camel on the pylon and rear porte cochere, as well as the statuary of men riding on camels. The text is the same classic Sahara text seen throughout the properties history, and definite reference the cure and angle of some Arabic writing, but also are linked to shapes seen in the architecture from that region of the world. Other properties which can be linked to this theme in Las Vegas History include, the Dunes, and the Aladdin. The Aladdin and the Sahara also share the trait of being a Vegas icon, revamped to meet the current trends of Las Vegas. The Sahara falls into that trend of being geared more toward the family theme these days, with the addition of the NASCAR Cafe as well as the roller coaster. The other property which incorporates a roller coaster is the New York New York.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics

Mixed Content

Photographs of Starlite Motel at dusk, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 17, 2017

Date

2017-03-17
2017-09-05

Description

The Starlite Motel sits at 1873 North Las Vegas Boulevard. Shortly after this photo was taken, the sign was scrubbed of its neon and made dormant. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1873 N Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: LAS VEGAS DRAGON HOTEL LLC
Sign details: This motel resides in North Las Vegas and is one of the few around that still offers traditional roadside lodging.
Sign condition: 5 - Sign was recently updated with was appears to be newer neon and a different color scheme, going with a bright blue and brown. New white vinyl letters have been added.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: Previous to the spring 2017 upgrade: This pole sign extends out toward the street for motorists and pedestrians to see. This pole is a bright red color. A four pointed red star sits at the top of the red pole for everyone to see. This is outlined with neon tubes that glow blue at night. In the spaces between the points of the star the neon tube is bent to create smaller points. In the middle of the star painted in bold white script is the word "Starlite." This is also outlined with neon tubes to glow at night. Under this is the word "VACANCY" painted in bold white text, but the neon tubes that outline it light up red. Attached to the point of the star that extends toward the road is a long, rectangular sign that reads "MOTEL" in bold white text with a black outline on a light blue background. Extending from the "MOTEL" sign towards the red star are 3 smaller four pointed stars that have incandescent light bulbs in their center and are outlined by neon tubes that glow blue at night. On top of the "MOTEL" sign is another one of these four pointed stars that sits on the outer edge of the sign. Next to this is a larger, light blue four pointed star with an incandescent light bulb in the center and a smaller four pointed star made from a neon tube surrounding the light bulb. The neon tube that outlines the larger portion of the star is bent to create smaller points in the portions of the star without points.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Unknown since update
Sign environment: The surrounding properties are Jerry's Nugget and the Silver Nugget casinos. It is also just down the street from the Cultural Corridor which includes the Neon Museum and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. The Las Vegas Library is also down the street.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1950s
Sign - date of redesign/move: Spring 2017
Sign - thematic influences: This property is one of many star-themed motels throughout the city. The 1950's was a popular time for space age/ star themed business due to the Space Age and explorations during this time period. Also, since the name of the property is the "Starlite Motel", the amount of stars included in this sign emphasizes this theme.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign has a heavy influence of the Space Age due to the stars throughout the sign that are telling of the theme for the property. The specific stars for this sign have a Googie-like influence as well because they are very stylized in a futuristic manner.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website, roadarch.com
Survey - other remarks: http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/nevada/vegas/lvmotel/lvnorthmotel/index.htm#sta rlitemotel
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-05
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Paint; Pole sign

Mixed Content

Photographs of Stateside Lounge sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017

Date

2017-03-03
2017-09-10

Description

The Stateside Lounge sign sits at 931 North Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 931 N Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Laura and Doris Atchinson
Sign details: This bar opened up in 1996. They aim to be a place for people to have a cold drink and great food. It is a very popular hangout stop for baseball fans since it is within walking distance to Cashman Field. They are also known for their karaoke nights.
Sign condition: 4, the sign is still in pretty good condition. It just looks worn from weather and time.
Sign form: Roadside pole with a message center
Sign-specific description: This pole sign sits along Las Vegas Boulevard and is extremely visible for motorist and pedestrians. A black rectangular pole supports the two portions that make up this sign. The top portion is a wide rectangular shape and both sides of the sign have the same design on them. Each side has a red background with the word "Stateside" in white script open cabinet letters along the top of it. Under this is a plastic backlit sign in the shape of the state of Nevada. The words "JUST ONE MORE" in bold red text are in the in the middle of the Nevada sign as well as an illustration of a foamy glass of beer. Under this is the word "Lounge" in white script open cabinet letters. Surrounding the outside of this sign is a line of incandescent light bulbs that chase. Under this sign is a fairly large backlit message board.
Sign - type of display: Neon, backlit, incandescent
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This bar sits very close to Cashman Field and is just north of the Cultural Corridor. It is down the street from the Las Vegas Library, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, and the Neon Museum. It is also just down the road from Fremont Street.
Sign - thematic influences: Since the bar is called "Stateside Lounge," featuring the state of Nevada emphasizes the theme of the bar. Also, the illustration of the beer and the "Just One More" on the sign articulate that the property is a bar.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign is fairly minimal, but has a few striking details that make it unique compared to other bars throughout the city. Featuring the shape of the state of Nevada lets people know that this sign is a nod to the bar's home state. Also, the "Just One More" text in the center of the Nevada shape as well as the illustration of the beer make the property seem very welcoming and like somewhere you wound wants to spend time at.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: There is no specific date of any redesign; however, in earlier photographs the sign was originally blue with a red pole instead of being red with a black pole.
Survey - other remarks: https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/sports-columns/ron- kantowski/51s-fans- dont-feel- likealiens-at- stateside-lounge/ https://www.yelp.com/biz/stateside-lounge- las-vegas
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-10
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Chasing; Roadside; Pole sign

Mixed Content

Photographs of Desert Star Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 24, 2017

Date

2017-03-24
2017-09-09

Description

The Desert Star Motel sign sits aglow at 1210 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1210 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Desert Star Motel Enterprises
Sign details: The original construction of this motel was in 1961 and has acted as a motel since.
Sign condition: 3, sign is in decent condition. Some portions of it do not light up anymore.
Sign form: Roadside pole sign
Sign-specific description: This sign sits directly on the roadside along Las Vegas Boulevard. The sign consists of a large black pole with many different back lit signs extending toward Las Vegas Boulevard attached to it. Staring from the top of the sign. There is a plastic back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold white letters against a red background. Under this are individual square signs each containing one letter. Moving down the length of the pole they spell out the word "MOTEL". Each of these letters are red against a white background. Under this series of letters is a star shaped back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold red text against a white background. This sign is outlined by a neon tube that no longer works. Attached to the bottom points of the star is a rectangular back sign with "VACANCY" painted on it in white. Neon tubes outline the word "NO" as well as "VACANCY." Under this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Check Out our Weekly & Daily Rates" in white letters against a red background. Finally, the last portion of this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Free Local Calls" in white letters against a red background.
Sign - type of display: Neon and back lit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign
Sign environment: This motel sits very close to the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Charleston. It is a short distance away from the Arts District and Fremont Street. It is a few blocks north of the Stratosphere hotel. A few properties that are close to this motel are the Little White Wedding Chapel as well as many other hostels and motels.
Sign - date of redesign/move: From an earlier photograph, this sign has changed from what appears to might have been their original sign. There is no exact year when the sign changed. The sign that they had in the 60s looks similar to their sign today, but with different colors. The earlier sign had the same "MOTEL" running down the side of the pole, but the letters were black against a yellow background and the pole was white. The star under this was white with forest green letters reading "DESERT STAR." There were three other rectangular signs under this. Each of these had forest green letters against a white background. The sign under the star sign and the "NO VACANCY" attached to that read " TV PHONES." The second sign said "REFRIGERATION." And the third said "AAA HEATED POOL."
Sign - thematic influences: The name "DESERT STAR" could've taken influence from the Space Age. There were plenty of motels that had a star theme or "star" in their name all throughout the city.
Sign - artistic significance: This is a good example of how roadside signs could be simple, yet eye catching to motorists and pedestrians. It does keep in theme with many of the other motel signs throughout the city by sitting directly along the roadside to be noticeable.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Stephani Drives Las Vegas Website http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html
Survey - research notes: There in not much information on the history of this property.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Roadside; Pole sign

Mixed Content

Photographs of Golden Steer Steakhouse sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017

Date

2017-03-03
2017-07-28

Description

The Golden Steer Steakhouse sign sits at 308 West Sahara Avenue. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Golden Steer Steak House (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 308 W Sahara Ave
Sign owner: Dr. Michael J. Signorelli has owned it since 2001 after purchasing it from the original owners
Sign details: Opened 1958, and started expanding in the 1970's by buying out neighboring shops. They redesigned their interior in the 90's but still kept it true to the original design. The Rat Pack was known to frequent this steakhouse and even have a dedicated booth to them. Tony Spilotro, Elvis Presley and Nat "King" Cole were a few of the many famous customers. This is the Oldest Steakhouse in Las Vegas, and still maintains their original old Vegas dining style.
Sign condition: 4-The sign looks as though it has aged, but it has done so gracefully
Sign form: Pylon with sculptural element and entrance sign on building
Sign-specific description: The Pylon sign has the main logo stating "Golden Steer Steakhouse" on a yellow sign with a black border. The black border has yellow/gold incandescent light bulbs with a small gold Fleur-de-Lis on the top. Under the main logo there is a shelf/stage holding a golden sculptural steer. The sign above the entrance is a wrap around yellow sign similar to their pylon sign with their logo and an image of a steer in between the words Golden and Steer. They also advertise Prime Rib and Seafood on the wrap around sign.
Sign - type of display: Incandescents surrounding all of their "reader board" type signs, no neon tubing
Sign - media: Plastic and steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader board type plastic for for all the wording
Sign animation: Chasing:
Notes: ncandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: On West Sahara a few blocks West of Las Vegas Blvd.
Sign manufacturer: Wright Signs
Sign designer: Origninal Steer from the 60's and John Burke said the record of the designer was lost
Sign - date of installation: Pylon sign-1960's but refabricated around 2015 to its original condition, but still original steer. Sign above entrance still from the 1970's.
Sign - date of redesign/move: Pylon sign-1960's but restored around 2015 to its original condition, but still original steer. Sign above entrance still from the 1970's.
Sign - thematic influences: Sign shows old west type font. The Golden sculptural steer helps show it is a steakhouse but one that is top of the line since their sign is golden.
Sign - artistic significance: Opened in 1958, still had the prominent old west/ ranch theme that was popular in Vegas in the 1950's. Though the interior was classy their signage shows the old west cowboy style.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, Golden Steer website https://www.goldensteerlasvegas.com/our_history.html , Telephone conversation with John Burke the General Manager of the restaurant
Survey - research notes: John Burke has a lot of great info on their signage as well as their property. Also the Golden Steer website had a great history of the property.
Survey - other remarks: Some of the older Golden Steer signage is in the Neon Museum.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-07-28
Sign keywords: Sculptural; Plastic; Steel; Incandescent; Chasing; Reader board; Building-front design; Pole sign

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Photograph of Le Thai sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 10, 2016

Date

2016-04-10 to 2017-08-15

Description

The sign for Le Thai restaurant sits at 523 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 523 Fremont St
Sign owner: Dan and Shauna Coughlin, Dan doubles as the chef as well
Sign details: The buildings original construction year was 1934. The restaurant opened in November of 2011, Le Thai offers a famous Three curry made by Chef Dan Coughlin as well as other traditional Thai food inspired by Dans grandma and mom from Thailand. They also have a beer garden behind their main restaurant. Dan was the owner to Mix zone cafe and is the son of the owner of the King and I (Nikki Bujadham). This building has a tin facade with a pull out canopy for outdoor seating.
Sign condition: 5- looks very new and in amazing condition
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: The blade is mainly made of plastic that is backlit at night time, but has a dark steel border. At the top of the sign is a circle that has Le written in black cursive on the sign, and illuminates red neon at night. Also on this circle portion of the sign it states Downtown Las Vegas in a smaller print type font. This circle is outlined in incandescents, as well as the incandescents being surrounded by red neon. Below the circle there is a red curved arrow that states Thai in black letters that have a white trim, this font looks italicized and has little circles on a part of each of the letters, this makes it a very distinct font for them specifically. Underneath the Words Thai, the sign states Noodles & Bar in a regular white block type font.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent light bulbs and neon
Sign - media: Plastic and Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics on plastic portion of the sign are backlit
Sign animation: Chasing:
Notes: incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: In the East side of Fremont Street, located in between Las Vegas Blvd and 6th street. To the west of the property is the Dont Tell Mama Bar and to the east is Commonwealth. Currently across the street is the Therapy restaurant and the old Emergency Arts building.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Owners Shauna and Dan
Sign - date of installation: 2012
Sign - thematic influences: The font that they use for Le and Thai are quite different but it shows the blend of how their restaurant is and does make it more distinguishable since their font draws the attention of people walking by.
Sign - artistic significance: With the usage of both Neon and incandescent the sign really does pop out which is a similar trend to many signs over the age, particularly since there is a lot of pedestrian traffic in the region. The arrow is a great direction indicator, as well as it showcases the 1950s blade sign trend with the arrow at the bottom.
Survey - research locations: Le Thai restaurant website https://lethaivegas.com/, Assessor's page, and contact with Le Thai LLC
Survey - research notes: The assessor's page said the buildings original construction year was 1934 though there was no record of what it originally opened up as.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-15
Sign keywords: Graphics; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Blade; Chasing; Incandescent; Neon; Back to back

Mixed Content

Photographs of Backstage Bar & Billiards, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2016-2017

Date

2016-04-28 to 2017-08-11

Description

The sign for Backstage Bar & Billiards sits at 601 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 601 Fremont St
Sign owner: DJ Lethal co-owned with DJ Scotty
Sign details: This building dates back to 1957. Triple B opened in 2012 as a billiard hall bar and concert venue. It is filled with a lot of Rock Memorabilia which includes a "turntable library" which they claim showcases over 8 decades of rock history. This location was furnished by rock outfitter Anvil Cases. This property got its name by being "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club.
Sign condition: 5- looks relatively new and still in great condition
Sign form: Variation of a Bull Nose Sign
Sign-specific description: Their entrance is on the corner of 6th (going South) and Fremont with a blue bull nose type sign in a triangle shape. The base of the triangle sign is right above the entrance. The triangle border has a blue (argon) strip with incandescents lining both sides of the neon tubing. At the base of the sign there is a blue (argon) curved platform (half circle placed adjoining to the base of the triangle). On this platform there are 5 separate strips of argon tubes. Above the platform states "Backstage Bar & Billiards" in white cursive channeled letters. Above the words Backstage and Billiards there are two martini glasses with a pool ball and flag in each glass. At the top of the triangle portion of the sign there is their logo "Triple B" in cursive with Triple in Blue and B in white. Below the bull nose sign there is a reader board that wraps around the building. This reader board is also lined with incandescent light bulbs. In the middle of the of the reader board there is a black background rectangle with 3 rhombus's lined in incandescent light bulbs in a design.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader Board
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Fremont East district East District, next to other bars and restaurants. This location is right across the street from the El Cortez. Also they claim to be "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club which inspired their name.
Sign manufacturer: Ultra Signs' recently bought out by Jones Las Vegas ( of Jones SIgns) who did not have records of this sign.
Sign - date of installation: 2012 when the bar opened
Sign - thematic influences: On Fremont many of the entrances are at the corner intersections, so the bull nose sign has been prominent design type to draw attention to the entrance of the company. This is remnant of the Golden Nugget and Binion's Horseshoe put up their bull nose signs in 1961.
Sign - artistic significance: The curved platform at the bottom of their bull nose sign looks like an old retro movie theater style sign platform that you would see in the 1940's/50's. Particularly with their reader board with incandescent light bulbs speaks to this era as well.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, triple B website http://www.backstagebarlv.com/ , Las Vegas Weekly Newspaper article https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/lowball-diary/2012/dec/05/triple-b-fills-downtowns-watering-hole-hole/
Survey - research notes: Fremont Bars.com has a photo of their main sign being installed. http://www.fremontstreetbars.com/2012/11/29/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-backstage-bar-billiards/
Survey - other remarks: The Ultra Signs logo is visible on the left side of the sign.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Bullnose; Marquee

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