Search Results
Martin Stern Architectural Records
Identifier
MS-00382
Abstract
The collection is comprised of drawings (1950-1990) completed by American architect Martin Stern and/or his architectural firm, Martin Stern Jr., AIA Architect and Associates, and contains 400 cubic feet of materials including 710 drawings from over 300 different projects involving over 100 buildings. Stern’s work focused on the resort centers of Las Vegas, Nevada; Reno, Nevada; Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada; and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The materials feature hand-drawn architectural drawings, ranging from pencil and ink on tracing paper preliminary sketches to ink on Mylar (TM) construction documents, and a number of artist’s renderings, used for presentations and promotional materials. The drawings also contain work from a number of consultants, engineers, and other architects who collaborated on the development of the various projects. The collection includes architectural drawings for: hotels, casinos, integrated casino resorts, office towers, multi-family residential developments, and custom single-family homes.
Archival Collection
Rabbi Sanford Akselrad oral history interview: transcript
Date
2018-03-07
Archival Collection
Description
Oral history interview with Rabbi Sanford Akselrad conducted by Barbara Tabach on March 7, 2018 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Rabbi Sanford Akselrad discusses the response of the Jewish community of Congregation Ner Tamid to the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. He discusses the healing service he led the day after the shooting, how the community paid respect to the victims, and the concert held to raise money. In addition to the actions of the Jewish community, Rabbi Akselrad discusses the congregation's work with the interfaith community to heal from this tragedy.
Text
Photographs of Las Vegas Helicopter Tours signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
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
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 Starlite Motel at dusk, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 17, 2017
Date
2017-03-17
2017-09-05
Archival Collection
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
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 Bonanza Gift Shop, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 6, 2017
Date
2017-03-06
2017-08-12
Archival Collection
Description
The Bonanza Gift Shop sits at 2440 South Las Vegas Boulevard. The shopping center holds a space of forty-thousand square feet and is self-proclaimed, "The World's Largest Gift Shop." Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2440 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Haim Gabay
Sign details: The Bonanza Gift Shop opened in 1981 marketing as the world's largest gift shop. Though in 1963 a portion of the property opened as an Honest John's Casino. In 1971 the Big Wheel opened next to Honest John's Casino. After 1974 Big Wheel changed to Centerfold Casino 1975-1977. In 1977 the Centerfold Casino changed to Jolly Trolley Restaurant, Saloon and Dining Depot. From 1977-1981 Jolly Trolley remained at the location; it seems at one point Jolly Trolley took over the entire shopping center and casinos. Between 1977 and 1981, a 24 Hour Adult Book Store was taken over by Jolly Trolley that allowed Bonanza Gift Shop to purchase the whole property. The sign's design and theme has stayed the same from 1963 to current. The gift shop was sold for $50 million in 2016 to Haim Gabay.
Sign condition: 3- the paint is peeling off, and the signs have holes in them. The incandescent light bulbs and marquee are not working to full capacity; some portions do not light up at all.
Sign form: This is considered an architectural sign with the reader boards-marquee built into the building. The sign at the end of the corner is considered a cantilever construction.
Sign-specific description: The sign is mainly rusty red and a gold-yellow that surrounds the building with multiple "Bonanza Gift Shop" logos in a old west type font. Also there is a reader board surrounding the building as well.
Sign - type of display: The Display used is a reader board, neon, incandescent, and fluorescent lighting.
Sign - media: Plastic, Steel and Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic for reader board
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: Incandescent light bulbs that surround the building and logos
Sign environment: The property is on the west corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Sahara. The stores surrounding the establishment are Naughty Town, Walgreens, Essence Cannabis, Strip Gun Club and Diversity Tattoos.
Sign - date of installation: Estimated 1963 or earlier
Sign - date of redesign/move: 1963 Honest John's cantilever construction. 1971 Big Wheel opened up and added the projection sign. In 1974 the Big wheel changed to Centerfold Casino and in 1977 name changed to Jolly Trolley. In 1981 the Jolly Trolley projection and cantilever construction sign changed to Bonanza Gift Shop.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign dates back to 1963 and resembles the golden nugget decorated shed concept along with the cantilever construction sign similar to golden nugget's 1946 sign, except circular rather than organic. The actual sign uses color psychology to attract consumers to the gift shop. The theme is definitely western themed.
Survey - research locations: https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/bonanza-gift-shop-in-las-vegas-sold-for-50m-records-show/ about new owner purchase. Vintage Las Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Bonanza+Gift+Shop helped with dates of property change. Author Paul W. Papa's book "Discovering Vintage Las Vegas: A Guide to the City's Timeless Shops"
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Architectural; Plastic; Steel; Incandescent; Chasing; Reader board; Neon; Marquee; Fluorescent; Roof Sign
Site address: 2440 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Haim Gabay
Sign details: The Bonanza Gift Shop opened in 1981 marketing as the world's largest gift shop. Though in 1963 a portion of the property opened as an Honest John's Casino. In 1971 the Big Wheel opened next to Honest John's Casino. After 1974 Big Wheel changed to Centerfold Casino 1975-1977. In 1977 the Centerfold Casino changed to Jolly Trolley Restaurant, Saloon and Dining Depot. From 1977-1981 Jolly Trolley remained at the location; it seems at one point Jolly Trolley took over the entire shopping center and casinos. Between 1977 and 1981, a 24 Hour Adult Book Store was taken over by Jolly Trolley that allowed Bonanza Gift Shop to purchase the whole property. The sign's design and theme has stayed the same from 1963 to current. The gift shop was sold for $50 million in 2016 to Haim Gabay.
Sign condition: 3- the paint is peeling off, and the signs have holes in them. The incandescent light bulbs and marquee are not working to full capacity; some portions do not light up at all.
Sign form: This is considered an architectural sign with the reader boards-marquee built into the building. The sign at the end of the corner is considered a cantilever construction.
Sign-specific description: The sign is mainly rusty red and a gold-yellow that surrounds the building with multiple "Bonanza Gift Shop" logos in a old west type font. Also there is a reader board surrounding the building as well.
Sign - type of display: The Display used is a reader board, neon, incandescent, and fluorescent lighting.
Sign - media: Plastic, Steel and Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic for reader board
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: Incandescent light bulbs that surround the building and logos
Sign environment: The property is on the west corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Sahara. The stores surrounding the establishment are Naughty Town, Walgreens, Essence Cannabis, Strip Gun Club and Diversity Tattoos.
Sign - date of installation: Estimated 1963 or earlier
Sign - date of redesign/move: 1963 Honest John's cantilever construction. 1971 Big Wheel opened up and added the projection sign. In 1974 the Big wheel changed to Centerfold Casino and in 1977 name changed to Jolly Trolley. In 1981 the Jolly Trolley projection and cantilever construction sign changed to Bonanza Gift Shop.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign dates back to 1963 and resembles the golden nugget decorated shed concept along with the cantilever construction sign similar to golden nugget's 1946 sign, except circular rather than organic. The actual sign uses color psychology to attract consumers to the gift shop. The theme is definitely western themed.
Survey - research locations: https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/bonanza-gift-shop-in-las-vegas-sold-for-50m-records-show/ about new owner purchase. Vintage Las Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Bonanza+Gift+Shop helped with dates of property change. Author Paul W. Papa's book "Discovering Vintage Las Vegas: A Guide to the City's Timeless Shops"
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Architectural; Plastic; Steel; Incandescent; Chasing; Reader board; Neon; Marquee; Fluorescent; Roof Sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Milan Bakery, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-08-17
Archival Collection
Description
The Milan Bakery sign sits at 1625 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 1625 Fremont St
Sign owner: Selak, LLC
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1952 (Assessor). Milan Selakovik acquired the property from the Salvation Army in 1966 (Assessor).
Sign condition: The sign is condition 2, fair to poor. The paint is flaking. Approximately a third of cabinet bottom has rusted out. No neon remains on the sign.
Sign form: Blade sign
Sign-specific description: The background of the entire sign is painted red. The top and bottom of the sign are attached to the building by two metal cabinets. The lower cabinet is irregularly shaped. On the west side of the lower cabinet, the telephone and fax numbers are painted in peeling yellow. The paint has almost completely flaked off around the area where a cursive "Fax" formerly appeared. Attached to the street side of the sign is a vertical metal cabinet which runs almost the entire height of the sign. The word "BAKERY" is painted in white sans serif letters which run vertically over most of the cabinet. Extending horizontally from the cabinet toward the building are three small metal cabinets. A horizontal white line is painted on each of the three cabinets. A larger cabinet attached next to the "B" in "BAKERY" extends horizontally toward the building. The cabinet has a medallion shaped black and white cartoon of a baker holding a tray of baked goods. An irregularly shaped cabinet topping the sign contains the name, "MILAN" painted in white sans serif letters. The east side of the sign is painted similarly to the west, except that: 1) a cursive white or silver "Fax" is located at the bottom of the sign to the left of the fax number and, 2) extreme flaking has completely removed what was painted on the medallion at the top of the sign.
Sign - type of display: Formerly neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Down on the East side of Fremont Street
Sign - date of installation: Based on the acquisition date of the property by Milan Selakovik in 1966, the current design of the sign possibly dates from the 1960's.
Sign - date of redesign/move: The unusual shape of the sign indicates that it has been modified over time. The form suggests that the sign was originally a directional arrow which pointed down from the roof toward the entrance to the business, with additional cabinets added later. A 2004 photograph shows the current sign design and color scheme (RoadsidePeek.com). A drawing of a baker's head was located in the medallion where the cartoon baker now resides. The three small cabinets which jut out horizontally from the sign formerly stated, "BREAD", "CAKES" and "PASTRY". The lower portion of the sign advertised "FRESH SANDWICHES".
Sign - thematic influences: Their sign showcases similar themes to cartoons, bakers and bakeries.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign portrays similar designs to other signs manufactured in the 1960's.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor Parcel No. 139-35-315-002. Retrieved from http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/PropertyRecords.aspx?H=redrock&P=assrrealprop/pcl.aspx RoadsidePeek.com. Milan Bakery. Retrieved from http://roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/nevada/vegas/lvsign/lvothersign/index2.htm
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-17
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Steel
Site address: 1625 Fremont St
Sign owner: Selak, LLC
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1952 (Assessor). Milan Selakovik acquired the property from the Salvation Army in 1966 (Assessor).
Sign condition: The sign is condition 2, fair to poor. The paint is flaking. Approximately a third of cabinet bottom has rusted out. No neon remains on the sign.
Sign form: Blade sign
Sign-specific description: The background of the entire sign is painted red. The top and bottom of the sign are attached to the building by two metal cabinets. The lower cabinet is irregularly shaped. On the west side of the lower cabinet, the telephone and fax numbers are painted in peeling yellow. The paint has almost completely flaked off around the area where a cursive "Fax" formerly appeared. Attached to the street side of the sign is a vertical metal cabinet which runs almost the entire height of the sign. The word "BAKERY" is painted in white sans serif letters which run vertically over most of the cabinet. Extending horizontally from the cabinet toward the building are three small metal cabinets. A horizontal white line is painted on each of the three cabinets. A larger cabinet attached next to the "B" in "BAKERY" extends horizontally toward the building. The cabinet has a medallion shaped black and white cartoon of a baker holding a tray of baked goods. An irregularly shaped cabinet topping the sign contains the name, "MILAN" painted in white sans serif letters. The east side of the sign is painted similarly to the west, except that: 1) a cursive white or silver "Fax" is located at the bottom of the sign to the left of the fax number and, 2) extreme flaking has completely removed what was painted on the medallion at the top of the sign.
Sign - type of display: Formerly neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Down on the East side of Fremont Street
Sign - date of installation: Based on the acquisition date of the property by Milan Selakovik in 1966, the current design of the sign possibly dates from the 1960's.
Sign - date of redesign/move: The unusual shape of the sign indicates that it has been modified over time. The form suggests that the sign was originally a directional arrow which pointed down from the roof toward the entrance to the business, with additional cabinets added later. A 2004 photograph shows the current sign design and color scheme (RoadsidePeek.com). A drawing of a baker's head was located in the medallion where the cartoon baker now resides. The three small cabinets which jut out horizontally from the sign formerly stated, "BREAD", "CAKES" and "PASTRY". The lower portion of the sign advertised "FRESH SANDWICHES".
Sign - thematic influences: Their sign showcases similar themes to cartoons, bakers and bakeries.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign portrays similar designs to other signs manufactured in the 1960's.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor Parcel No. 139-35-315-002. Retrieved from http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/PropertyRecords.aspx?H=redrock&P=assrrealprop/pcl.aspx RoadsidePeek.com. Milan Bakery. Retrieved from http://roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/nevada/vegas/lvsign/lvothersign/index2.htm
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-17
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Steel
Mixed Content
Photographs of PublicUs sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-08-18
Archival Collection
Description
The PublicUs coffee shop sign sits at 1126 Fremont in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1126 Fremont St
Sign owner: Kimo Akiona, Cole McBride and Travis Landice
Sign details: PublicUs opened in 2015. This property has previously held other restaurants the most recent being a Philly Cheese Steak restaurant. PublicUs represents "for the people" in Latin. Hemant Kishore is the baker and chef. This location is a canteen-style restaurant and coffee house where they make all organic foods in house.
Sign condition: 4- the steel part of the sign looks relatively new and has bright paint, but the plastic portion for the sign does some aging to it.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: On the corner of Fremont E and Maryland pkwy at the corner of their building there is a blue been sticking out of the ground that is curved at the top. Near this curved section is a rectangle steel sign box that has a back lit plastic sign in it, and underneath is a similar rectangular box. The bigger rectangular box has a white background, but has the a light tan box with PublicUs logo in white letters in the light tan brown box. The smaller box on the bottom has the white backdrop and the tan colored rectangle has Fremont Village written in a white font. Both rectangle signs have an arrow pointing through them with the tip of the arrow above their main logo sign and the "feathers" of the arrow underneath Fremont Village sign.
Sign - type of display: Backlit plastic sign and incandescent light bulbs
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion of sign
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This is located on the corner of Maryland Pkwy and Fremont Street East. Surrounding this property is a lot of old motels that have been shut down, and painted over though many of their neon signs are still up and some working. On the same block as them is a vintage barber shop and a vintage tattoo parlor.
Sign manufacturer: Main portion of the sign was around before they opened so information on the base of the sign was not found
Sign - date of installation: The sign box has records of being around longer than the PublicUs has, records (Google Maps satellite view) show the sign similar to this has been up since at least 2013
Sign - date of redesign/move: Late 2015 is when their main logo was installed
Sign - thematic influences: This sign shows how signs can be re-purposed or can evolve with different colors and slightly different designs over the years even though the theme of the property has changed.
Sign - artistic significance: The arrow in the sign could signify a bulls eye in the sense that you are looking in the right spot or have found the perfect spot.
Survey - research locations: Google Maps satellite view, Sprudge coffee blog http://sprudge.com/publicus-97938.html , Eating Las Vegas http://www.eatinglv.com/2015/03/publicus-is-open-and-baking-for-the-people/
Survey - research notes: This restaurant has faux trees and nice wooden tables inside to make it feel as though you are outdoors but still in a homey place.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-18
Sign keywords: Plastic; Backlit; Incandescent; Steel; Flashing; Pole sign
Site address: 1126 Fremont St
Sign owner: Kimo Akiona, Cole McBride and Travis Landice
Sign details: PublicUs opened in 2015. This property has previously held other restaurants the most recent being a Philly Cheese Steak restaurant. PublicUs represents "for the people" in Latin. Hemant Kishore is the baker and chef. This location is a canteen-style restaurant and coffee house where they make all organic foods in house.
Sign condition: 4- the steel part of the sign looks relatively new and has bright paint, but the plastic portion for the sign does some aging to it.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: On the corner of Fremont E and Maryland pkwy at the corner of their building there is a blue been sticking out of the ground that is curved at the top. Near this curved section is a rectangle steel sign box that has a back lit plastic sign in it, and underneath is a similar rectangular box. The bigger rectangular box has a white background, but has the a light tan box with PublicUs logo in white letters in the light tan brown box. The smaller box on the bottom has the white backdrop and the tan colored rectangle has Fremont Village written in a white font. Both rectangle signs have an arrow pointing through them with the tip of the arrow above their main logo sign and the "feathers" of the arrow underneath Fremont Village sign.
Sign - type of display: Backlit plastic sign and incandescent light bulbs
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion of sign
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This is located on the corner of Maryland Pkwy and Fremont Street East. Surrounding this property is a lot of old motels that have been shut down, and painted over though many of their neon signs are still up and some working. On the same block as them is a vintage barber shop and a vintage tattoo parlor.
Sign manufacturer: Main portion of the sign was around before they opened so information on the base of the sign was not found
Sign - date of installation: The sign box has records of being around longer than the PublicUs has, records (Google Maps satellite view) show the sign similar to this has been up since at least 2013
Sign - date of redesign/move: Late 2015 is when their main logo was installed
Sign - thematic influences: This sign shows how signs can be re-purposed or can evolve with different colors and slightly different designs over the years even though the theme of the property has changed.
Sign - artistic significance: The arrow in the sign could signify a bulls eye in the sense that you are looking in the right spot or have found the perfect spot.
Survey - research locations: Google Maps satellite view, Sprudge coffee blog http://sprudge.com/publicus-97938.html , Eating Las Vegas http://www.eatinglv.com/2015/03/publicus-is-open-and-baking-for-the-people/
Survey - research notes: This restaurant has faux trees and nice wooden tables inside to make it feel as though you are outdoors but still in a homey place.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-18
Sign keywords: Plastic; Backlit; Incandescent; Steel; Flashing; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Club 2100, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017
Date
2017-03-03
2017-09-12
Archival Collection
Description
Club 2100 sits at 2100 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 2100 Fremont St
Sign details: The Club 2100 is a popular Latin nightclub on Fremont Street. An excerpt form the Las Vegas Weekly reads, "More than half a million Latinos call Las Vegas home, and 40 percent were born outside the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. These clubs give Las Vegans an opportunity to see live bands playing music with which they grew up." Certain nights of the week they specialize in different types of music in order to keep the club exciting for people to keep coming back. They have been a part of the Las Vegas community for about four years now.
Sign condition: 4, the sign is in good condition. However, it is unclear if it still lights up at night.
Sign form: Roadside pole and porte cochere
Sign-specific description: There are two major portions for this sign. One is the porte cochere signage that consists of two large, black arches. On the left arch are light blue backlit letters spelling the word "NIGHT" and on the right arch there are letters just like these spelling the word "CLUB." In the center of the arches a pole sign extends upward and along one side of the pole extending in the direction of the parking lot are five white, backlit four-point Googie Style stars. On the other side of the pole extending out toward Fremont Street are five signs with pointed edges at each top corner and a point in the bottom center, resembling arrows possibly. Each of these signs has yellow text and a black background. The top sign reads "CLUB" and the other signs that follow spell out "2100."
Sign - type of display: Backlit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit portion
Sign environment: The neighborhood for this property is filled with small restaurants and apartment complexes. This property sits further east from the excitement of the other properties on Fremont Street.
Sign - date of installation: Around 1958. Around 2014 for the update for the night club.
Sign - date of redesign/move: It appears that this signage was part of the original signage for the Blue Angel Motel. From photos that were taken in 2014, it shows that this is when the Blue Angel signage became the signage for Club 2100.
Sign - thematic influences: It appears that this signage was part of the original signage for the Blue Angel Motel. From photos that were taken in 2014, it shows that this is when the Blue Angel signage became the signage for Club 2100.
Sign - artistic significance: The overall design of this sign still reflects the Googie style that was popular in the 1950's, which seems to be when this sign was first placed on Fremont Street.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Weekly articles locations (archives, library, recorder's office, etc) https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/2016/sep/07/vegas-latin- nightclubs-banda- norteno-live- music/#/0 https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we- see-it/2014/sep/03/blue- angel-uproar- signals-clash- between- preservati/#/0 , and Roadside architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html
Survey - research notes: Assessor's page did not show current owner of the property, as well as other information on this current location was difficult to find.
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-12
Sign keywords: Porte-cochère; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Roadside; Fluorescent
Site address: 2100 Fremont St
Sign details: The Club 2100 is a popular Latin nightclub on Fremont Street. An excerpt form the Las Vegas Weekly reads, "More than half a million Latinos call Las Vegas home, and 40 percent were born outside the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. These clubs give Las Vegans an opportunity to see live bands playing music with which they grew up." Certain nights of the week they specialize in different types of music in order to keep the club exciting for people to keep coming back. They have been a part of the Las Vegas community for about four years now.
Sign condition: 4, the sign is in good condition. However, it is unclear if it still lights up at night.
Sign form: Roadside pole and porte cochere
Sign-specific description: There are two major portions for this sign. One is the porte cochere signage that consists of two large, black arches. On the left arch are light blue backlit letters spelling the word "NIGHT" and on the right arch there are letters just like these spelling the word "CLUB." In the center of the arches a pole sign extends upward and along one side of the pole extending in the direction of the parking lot are five white, backlit four-point Googie Style stars. On the other side of the pole extending out toward Fremont Street are five signs with pointed edges at each top corner and a point in the bottom center, resembling arrows possibly. Each of these signs has yellow text and a black background. The top sign reads "CLUB" and the other signs that follow spell out "2100."
Sign - type of display: Backlit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit portion
Sign environment: The neighborhood for this property is filled with small restaurants and apartment complexes. This property sits further east from the excitement of the other properties on Fremont Street.
Sign - date of installation: Around 1958. Around 2014 for the update for the night club.
Sign - date of redesign/move: It appears that this signage was part of the original signage for the Blue Angel Motel. From photos that were taken in 2014, it shows that this is when the Blue Angel signage became the signage for Club 2100.
Sign - thematic influences: It appears that this signage was part of the original signage for the Blue Angel Motel. From photos that were taken in 2014, it shows that this is when the Blue Angel signage became the signage for Club 2100.
Sign - artistic significance: The overall design of this sign still reflects the Googie style that was popular in the 1950's, which seems to be when this sign was first placed on Fremont Street.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Weekly articles locations (archives, library, recorder's office, etc) https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/2016/sep/07/vegas-latin- nightclubs-banda- norteno-live- music/#/0 https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we- see-it/2014/sep/03/blue- angel-uproar- signals-clash- between- preservati/#/0 , and Roadside architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html
Survey - research notes: Assessor's page did not show current owner of the property, as well as other information on this current location was difficult to find.
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-12
Sign keywords: Porte-cochère; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Roadside; Fluorescent
Mixed Content
Photographs of The Gables Motel, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-08-19
Archival Collection
Description
The Gables Motel sits at 1301 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 1301 Fremont St
Sign owner: 1301 Fremont LLC
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1946 (Assessor). A postcard circa 1940's shows the property was named "Las Gables Court" and endorsed by AAA (Wikimedia Commons, 2015).
Sign condition: The sign is condition 1, very poor. The street side light box is missing over half of its plastic. About three quarters of the bottom of the light box is rusted through. Light bulbs are missing from the lower portion of the light box. The hotel side light box is badly dented on the east side. The paint on the cabinets is faded and flaking. Rust marks are beginning to appear along the seams on the pylon. The neon letters for "VACANCY" are missing from the lower portion of the hotel side light box.
Sign form: Pylon Sign
Sign-specific description: A metal rectangular pylon painted yellowish tan is located on the hotel side of the sign. The body of the sign is cantilevered out toward the street. Attached to the pole is a metal light box painted red and split into two sections. A second light box is attached to the street side of the first. On the west side, the top plastic section of the hotel side light box advertises "THE GABLES" in cartoon style lettering. The lower portion of the sign is a reader board. The lower portion of the plastic section of the reader board has been hand painted, "POSTAL AND SMOKE SHOP". Over half of the paint on the lower portion of the metal cabinet of the reader board has flaked off. The remaining sans serif skeleton neon on that part of the sign states, "NO". Also on the west side is a street side light box painted yellow. The remaining plastic panels spell out "M - - E " in san serif letters. The bottom of the metal cabinet is rusted out. The light bulbs are missing from the lower portion of the cabinet. On the east side, the plastic on hotel side light box is badly dented. The lower portion of the metal cabinet displays faded sans serif letters which spell out "ANCY". The remainder of the east side is similar to the west.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent, lightbox
Sign - media: steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: lightbox
Sign environment: East Fremont St. surrounded by motels.
Sign - date of redesign/move: Yes, but date unknown
Sign - thematic influences: The Gables Motel was a country cottage style motor court. The cartoon lettering style of "THE GABLES" may allude to this theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Motor courts and cottages
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Wikimedia Commons. (2015 June 8). Las Gables Court. Retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Las_Gables_Court,_13th_and_Fremont_Streets_(U.S._93_- _95_-_466),_Las_Vegas,_Nevada_(80597).jpg
Survey - other remarks: The sign shown in a postcard circa 1940's (Wikimedia Commons, 2015) may have been modified to make the current sign.
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-19
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Light box; Pole sign; Reader board; Internally illuminated
Site address: 1301 Fremont St
Sign owner: 1301 Fremont LLC
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1946 (Assessor). A postcard circa 1940's shows the property was named "Las Gables Court" and endorsed by AAA (Wikimedia Commons, 2015).
Sign condition: The sign is condition 1, very poor. The street side light box is missing over half of its plastic. About three quarters of the bottom of the light box is rusted through. Light bulbs are missing from the lower portion of the light box. The hotel side light box is badly dented on the east side. The paint on the cabinets is faded and flaking. Rust marks are beginning to appear along the seams on the pylon. The neon letters for "VACANCY" are missing from the lower portion of the hotel side light box.
Sign form: Pylon Sign
Sign-specific description: A metal rectangular pylon painted yellowish tan is located on the hotel side of the sign. The body of the sign is cantilevered out toward the street. Attached to the pole is a metal light box painted red and split into two sections. A second light box is attached to the street side of the first. On the west side, the top plastic section of the hotel side light box advertises "THE GABLES" in cartoon style lettering. The lower portion of the sign is a reader board. The lower portion of the plastic section of the reader board has been hand painted, "POSTAL AND SMOKE SHOP". Over half of the paint on the lower portion of the metal cabinet of the reader board has flaked off. The remaining sans serif skeleton neon on that part of the sign states, "NO". Also on the west side is a street side light box painted yellow. The remaining plastic panels spell out "M - - E " in san serif letters. The bottom of the metal cabinet is rusted out. The light bulbs are missing from the lower portion of the cabinet. On the east side, the plastic on hotel side light box is badly dented. The lower portion of the metal cabinet displays faded sans serif letters which spell out "ANCY". The remainder of the east side is similar to the west.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent, lightbox
Sign - media: steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: lightbox
Sign environment: East Fremont St. surrounded by motels.
Sign - date of redesign/move: Yes, but date unknown
Sign - thematic influences: The Gables Motel was a country cottage style motor court. The cartoon lettering style of "THE GABLES" may allude to this theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Motor courts and cottages
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Wikimedia Commons. (2015 June 8). Las Gables Court. Retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Las_Gables_Court,_13th_and_Fremont_Streets_(U.S._93_- _95_-_466),_Las_Vegas,_Nevada_(80597).jpg
Survey - other remarks: The sign shown in a postcard circa 1940's (Wikimedia Commons, 2015) may have been modified to make the current sign.
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-19
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Light box; Pole sign; Reader board; Internally illuminated
Mixed Content
