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

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

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

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

Photos show Excalibur signs at night. Two surveys were conducted to gather information about this sign. One was conducted in 2002 and one was conducted in 2017. PDFs are available for both surveys. See the 2017 survey PDF for additional information that is not included in the object description
Site name: Excalibur Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Mandalay Resort Group
Sign details: The Excalibur Hotel and Casino sits on the NE corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana Ave. While the main attraction is the brightly illuminated fantasy castle facade, the two giant multimedia pylon signs flank the property along the streets. One, on the South side of Tropicana, faces East /West, while the second sits on the West Side of LV Blvd, and faces North/South.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 4 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The two pylons are identical in design. They are both double backed, pylons containing animated incandescent Excalibur logos, neon borders, an animated, color, matrix message center, and a two dizzying renderings of jousting knights, constructed completely of neon, on either side. Constructed to appear as a medieval castle facade themselves, the signs are finished in stucco to appear as if built with stone blocks. The scroll shaped main logo sign box, the outline of the logo, the spires, and sword, are all outlined in neon. The 10'-6" channel letters contain white incandescent bulbs that animate.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Matrix
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing
Notes: The Excalibur logo, which is comprised of incandescent bulbs, displays a two part chase animation from left to right over the entire text, then in sequence, displays a flashing animation over the entire word before starting the pattern over again.
Sign environment: The two pylons are both in parking lots of their respected positions. Pedestrians may walk up to the one located in a public lot on Tropicana Ave.
Sign manufacturer: Sign Systems, Inc
Sign designer: Brian K. Leming
Sign - date of installation: 1989-1990
Sign - date of redesign/move: The backlit plastic message board and old electronic message center, have been replaced by a single, giant animated, color electronic message board.
Sign - thematic influences: Excalibur capitalizes on the King Arthur/Renaissance fair theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Artistically the sheer magnitude, construction techniques and the magnitude of the themed facade are sincerely significant in the artistic developments of sign making. The pylons directly reflect those elements.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Pylon; Neon; Matrix; Incandescent; Steel; Paint; Graphics

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.

Information about the Fishers Inn Motel sign that sits at 3565 Boulder Hwy.
Site address: 3565 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Maiya LLC
Sign details: The construction of the motel was in 1963. This location was previously the Comet Motel but the Fisher's bought it in 1987 and changed the name to Fisher's Inn Motel.
Sign condition: 5 - received new paint in 2017
Sign form: Raised roadside sign
Sign-specific description: This sign has a thin white steel beam base with plastic backlit sign that currently advertises ESPN, HBO, Over 150 channels and Free Wifi. Above the reader board is a rectangular (but has a curved portion to the top of it) blue sign that states "FI" on top in a cursive font, underneath in a block white font states "A Fisher's Inn". Underneath "A Fisher's Inn" there is are big yellow "MOTEL" block font letters with a simple "No Vacancy" skeletal neon beneath it. At night the "FI" illuminates yellow, "A Fisher's Inn" green, " MOTEL" red, "NO VACANCY" is blue, but on the top portion of the sign there is white skeletal neon in the shape of possibly a Fisherman's hat.
Sign - type of display: Neon and backlit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Backlit plastic sign
Sign environment: This motel is on Boulder Highway, close to the 515 and is near other motels and car sales lots.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1987
Sign - date of redesign/move: 2017 painted blue when it used to be green
Sign - artistic significance: There's a good use of multiple colors on this sign. As well as repurposing older signs from previous property has been a major trend for signs in Vegas. Good example of skeletal neon.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Bookings website gives hotel info https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/a-fishers- inn-motel.html
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-16
Sign keywords: Neon; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Roadside