Search Results
Photographs of Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 1, 2017
Date
2017-03-01
2017-09-09
Archival Collection
Description
The world famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" sign sits at 5200 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Welcome to Las Vegas neon sign
Site address: 5200 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: YESCO
Sign details: The sign was originally installed 1959, quickly became an iconic sign for Las Vegas. Betty Willis never trademarked the sign. Betty Willis died at 91 in 2015. Betty Willis also designed the Moulin Rouge and Blue Angel Motel signs. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a 25 foot sign which is considered smaller than a lot of the other signs in Las Vegas.
Sign condition: 5, Taken care of by YESCO and Clark County
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The base of this sign is a blue rectangle outline. The main portion of the sign is a white rhombus shape. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas written in red and blue on a translucent white background. The word "Welcome" is spelled in red skeletal neon on Silver Coins with each letter on its own coin. On the back of the sign it states Drive Safely Come back Soon. This plastic portion of the sign is surrounded by incandescent light bulbs. On the top left portion of the sign where the blue base of the sign comes out of the top of the sign is the famous red star that is outlined in neon.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, Neon and back lit plastic.
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign animation: Chaser for Incandescent light bulbs on the border of the sign.
Sign environment: This sign is in the median of Las Vegas Blvd. near the South most end of the Strip. This location has Mandalay Bay to the west of it and the airport to the east.
Sign manufacturer: Western Neon
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign - date of installation: 1959
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 2000s redesign of the median to accommodate parking for visitors.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is designed in the Googie style. This sign also has symbolism with the words Welcome, as each letter is on a silver coin to represent Nevada as the Silver State.
Sign - artistic significance: One of the most Significant signs for Las Vegas. It is easily recognizable and ingrained as part of Las Vegas culture.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Sun article https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/21/fabulous-las-vegas-sign-garners-historic-designati/ , Vegas website https://www.vegas.com/attractions/on-the-strip/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ http://www.lasvegaswhereto.com/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ Neon Museum Tour outline , Vintage Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/welcome+to+fabulous+las+vegas
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Chasing; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Incandescent; Neon; Pylon
Site name: Welcome to Las Vegas neon sign
Site address: 5200 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: YESCO
Sign details: The sign was originally installed 1959, quickly became an iconic sign for Las Vegas. Betty Willis never trademarked the sign. Betty Willis died at 91 in 2015. Betty Willis also designed the Moulin Rouge and Blue Angel Motel signs. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a 25 foot sign which is considered smaller than a lot of the other signs in Las Vegas.
Sign condition: 5, Taken care of by YESCO and Clark County
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The base of this sign is a blue rectangle outline. The main portion of the sign is a white rhombus shape. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas written in red and blue on a translucent white background. The word "Welcome" is spelled in red skeletal neon on Silver Coins with each letter on its own coin. On the back of the sign it states Drive Safely Come back Soon. This plastic portion of the sign is surrounded by incandescent light bulbs. On the top left portion of the sign where the blue base of the sign comes out of the top of the sign is the famous red star that is outlined in neon.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, Neon and back lit plastic.
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign animation: Chaser for Incandescent light bulbs on the border of the sign.
Sign environment: This sign is in the median of Las Vegas Blvd. near the South most end of the Strip. This location has Mandalay Bay to the west of it and the airport to the east.
Sign manufacturer: Western Neon
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign - date of installation: 1959
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 2000s redesign of the median to accommodate parking for visitors.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is designed in the Googie style. This sign also has symbolism with the words Welcome, as each letter is on a silver coin to represent Nevada as the Silver State.
Sign - artistic significance: One of the most Significant signs for Las Vegas. It is easily recognizable and ingrained as part of Las Vegas culture.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Sun article https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/21/fabulous-las-vegas-sign-garners-historic-designati/ , Vegas website https://www.vegas.com/attractions/on-the-strip/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ http://www.lasvegaswhereto.com/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ Neon Museum Tour outline , Vintage Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/welcome+to+fabulous+las+vegas
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Chasing; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Incandescent; Neon; Pylon
Mixed Content
Photographs of Excalibur signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
2017-08-18
Archival Collection
Description
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
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
Mixed Content
neo000003-004
Description
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.
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.
Photographs of Park on Fremont sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017
Date
2017-06-28
2017-08-11
Archival Collection
Description
The Park on Fremont sign sits at 506 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 506 Fremont St
Sign owner: Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty both with Corner Bar Management Group
Sign details: This building was constructed in 1956. Though the Park on Fremont opened in 2013 in the former Maharaja Hookah Cafe though the building's exterior was renovated to have more of a wooden facade. This place is claimed as a gastro-pub with rustic-chic decor. Their outside urban beer garden is well recognized with its cool rustic design presenting a teeter totter and a CInderella-like carriage.
Sign condition: 5, very good condition and has bright colors during the day and night
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: They have a long oval shaped blade placed on the left side of the building which is neighboring the public parking lot next door. The oval part of the blade is black with white letters spelling out PARK from the top to the bottom in a thick type font. These letters illuminate green at night time. Surrounding the black oval is a red arrow pointing towards the building (not the entrance) with LED light bulbs which illuminates yellow at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon and LED lights
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED lights
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: LED lights around the perimeter of the blade.
Sign environment: This is the first bar/restaurant on the north side of the Fremont St. East district. To the west of the building is a public parking lot where YESCOs free-standing PBR sign Cool Blue is stationed. To the east is the RED dance club
Sign manufacturer: All Star Electrical Signs
Sign - date of installation: 2013
Sign - thematic influences: The blade with an arrow is is used on many other bar signs in the east Fremont District. Though many of these blade signs are above the entrance this one is on the left side of their building possibly to attract foot traffic from the Fremont Street Experience.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade with an arrow was a prominent sign design in the 50s and 60s.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Park on Fremont Website https://parkonfremont.com/ , UNLV (bio on Justin Weniger) https://www.unlvfootballfoundation.com/people/justin-weniger/ , google map roadside view, and contact with manager.
Survey - research notes: Owners Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty founded WENDOH Media which showcases Vegas Seven magazine, DTLV.com, RunRebs.com, SPYONvegas.com, Critical Focus, Corner Bar Management and the Life is Beautiful Festival. With the Corner Bar Management they also own the Commonwealth which is downtown as well.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; LED; Steel; Chasing; Incandescent; Directional
Site address: 506 Fremont St
Sign owner: Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty both with Corner Bar Management Group
Sign details: This building was constructed in 1956. Though the Park on Fremont opened in 2013 in the former Maharaja Hookah Cafe though the building's exterior was renovated to have more of a wooden facade. This place is claimed as a gastro-pub with rustic-chic decor. Their outside urban beer garden is well recognized with its cool rustic design presenting a teeter totter and a CInderella-like carriage.
Sign condition: 5, very good condition and has bright colors during the day and night
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: They have a long oval shaped blade placed on the left side of the building which is neighboring the public parking lot next door. The oval part of the blade is black with white letters spelling out PARK from the top to the bottom in a thick type font. These letters illuminate green at night time. Surrounding the black oval is a red arrow pointing towards the building (not the entrance) with LED light bulbs which illuminates yellow at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon and LED lights
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED lights
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: LED lights around the perimeter of the blade.
Sign environment: This is the first bar/restaurant on the north side of the Fremont St. East district. To the west of the building is a public parking lot where YESCOs free-standing PBR sign Cool Blue is stationed. To the east is the RED dance club
Sign manufacturer: All Star Electrical Signs
Sign - date of installation: 2013
Sign - thematic influences: The blade with an arrow is is used on many other bar signs in the east Fremont District. Though many of these blade signs are above the entrance this one is on the left side of their building possibly to attract foot traffic from the Fremont Street Experience.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade with an arrow was a prominent sign design in the 50s and 60s.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Park on Fremont Website https://parkonfremont.com/ , UNLV (bio on Justin Weniger) https://www.unlvfootballfoundation.com/people/justin-weniger/ , google map roadside view, and contact with manager.
Survey - research notes: Owners Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty founded WENDOH Media which showcases Vegas Seven magazine, DTLV.com, RunRebs.com, SPYONvegas.com, Critical Focus, Corner Bar Management and the Life is Beautiful Festival. With the Corner Bar Management they also own the Commonwealth which is downtown as well.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; LED; Steel; Chasing; Incandescent; Directional
Mixed Content
Fishers Inn Motel Neon Survey document, September 16, 2017
Date
2017-09-17
Archival Collection
Description
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
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
Text
Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino Neon Survey document, September 8, 2017
Date
2017-09-08
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino sign that sits at 129 E Fremont St.
Site name: Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 129 E Fremont St
Sign owner: Landry's INC
Sign details: This location opened in 1946 by Guy McAfee, a vice captain with the LAPD. It was bought by Steve Wynn in 1973 and remodeled in 1984.
Sign condition: 5- their sign has stayed in good condition since its installation
Sign form: Architectural
Sign-specific description: Their original concept was an old west cowboy theme and design with a Gold rush inspiration. Steve Wynn remodeled for a modest, modern design to the building almost abandoning the original design and theme. Currently there are many logos of "GOLDEN NUGGET" channeled letters containing incandescent light bulbs that have some exterior skeletal neon surrounding the letters. There are also LED lights surrounding most of the top of the first floor of the building. Also above the entrances there is a satin-like metallic gold material.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, LED and some neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Metallic gold material above entrances
Sign animation: Flashing Incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Located Downtown Las Vegas in the hearth of the Fremont Street Experience, across from Binion's and the Four Queens.
Sign manufacturer: AD-ART(1988)
Sign - date of installation: 1988
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 1980's Steve Wynn remodeled from the YESCO Kermit Wayne 1961 design to the current facade is installed between 1984-87
Sign - thematic influences: The Gold coloring in the lights and the metallic section of the sign above their entrance showcase their modern twist on their old theme.
Survey - research locations: Ad Art contact, Charles Banard's The Magic Sign, Neon Museum tour outline , Vintage Vegas Website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Golden+Nugget
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; LED; Neon; Steel; Flashing
Site name: Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 129 E Fremont St
Sign owner: Landry's INC
Sign details: This location opened in 1946 by Guy McAfee, a vice captain with the LAPD. It was bought by Steve Wynn in 1973 and remodeled in 1984.
Sign condition: 5- their sign has stayed in good condition since its installation
Sign form: Architectural
Sign-specific description: Their original concept was an old west cowboy theme and design with a Gold rush inspiration. Steve Wynn remodeled for a modest, modern design to the building almost abandoning the original design and theme. Currently there are many logos of "GOLDEN NUGGET" channeled letters containing incandescent light bulbs that have some exterior skeletal neon surrounding the letters. There are also LED lights surrounding most of the top of the first floor of the building. Also above the entrances there is a satin-like metallic gold material.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, LED and some neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Metallic gold material above entrances
Sign animation: Flashing Incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Located Downtown Las Vegas in the hearth of the Fremont Street Experience, across from Binion's and the Four Queens.
Sign manufacturer: AD-ART(1988)
Sign - date of installation: 1988
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 1980's Steve Wynn remodeled from the YESCO Kermit Wayne 1961 design to the current facade is installed between 1984-87
Sign - thematic influences: The Gold coloring in the lights and the metallic section of the sign above their entrance showcase their modern twist on their old theme.
Survey - research locations: Ad Art contact, Charles Banard's The Magic Sign, Neon Museum tour outline , Vintage Vegas Website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Golden+Nugget
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; LED; Neon; Steel; Flashing
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McDonald's Neon Survey document, September 17, 2017
Date
2017-09-17
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the McDonald's sign that sits at 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Site address: 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Mcdonalds Restaurant of NV 04873 Mcdonalds USA, LLC and Harrah's Las Vegas LLC
Sign details: Part of Harrahs property
Sign condition: 5 - great condition, fully functional seems well kept up
Sign form: Back to Back architectural sign
Sign-specific description: Large arch that rests on the side of the building playing off the name "golden arches" for Mcdonald's, a small cabinet sits on the middle of the sign with the full name of Mcdonalds and a small M on the edge of the cabinet. The arch is yellow covered in yellow neon tubing, the cabinet is red with white lettering for the name, the name in white, small M is yellow. The Neon tubing is animated in the sense it will flash on and off and then chase up the arch towards the building, the words and the M stay lit at all times. The sign is on even during the day as shown in many youtube videos. It also has a red base on the sidewalk where guests walk by with another small M in yellow. It looks like the lettering for Mcdonald's and the M are made of plastic and are internally lit.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent bulbs
Sign - media: Steel, fiberglass/plastic
Sign animation: Yes, neon flashes on and off then chases up the archway to meet in the middle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQcsd2-GdfY&t=2922s (21 minutes in)
Sign environment: Casino Resorts
Sign - thematic influences: No particular theme except for a play on the name "Golden Arches", probably made to look like the rest of the large neon signs on the strip, their take on "Las Vegas Signage".
Sign - artistic significance: Typical large and bright las vegas signage
Survey - research locations: Museum
Survey - other remarks: Almost no information on this location
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-17
Sign keywords: Architectural; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Fiberglass; Plastic; Flashing; Chasing; Back to back
Site address: 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Mcdonalds Restaurant of NV 04873 Mcdonalds USA, LLC and Harrah's Las Vegas LLC
Sign details: Part of Harrahs property
Sign condition: 5 - great condition, fully functional seems well kept up
Sign form: Back to Back architectural sign
Sign-specific description: Large arch that rests on the side of the building playing off the name "golden arches" for Mcdonald's, a small cabinet sits on the middle of the sign with the full name of Mcdonalds and a small M on the edge of the cabinet. The arch is yellow covered in yellow neon tubing, the cabinet is red with white lettering for the name, the name in white, small M is yellow. The Neon tubing is animated in the sense it will flash on and off and then chase up the arch towards the building, the words and the M stay lit at all times. The sign is on even during the day as shown in many youtube videos. It also has a red base on the sidewalk where guests walk by with another small M in yellow. It looks like the lettering for Mcdonald's and the M are made of plastic and are internally lit.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent bulbs
Sign - media: Steel, fiberglass/plastic
Sign animation: Yes, neon flashes on and off then chases up the archway to meet in the middle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQcsd2-GdfY&t=2922s (21 minutes in)
Sign environment: Casino Resorts
Sign - thematic influences: No particular theme except for a play on the name "Golden Arches", probably made to look like the rest of the large neon signs on the strip, their take on "Las Vegas Signage".
Sign - artistic significance: Typical large and bright las vegas signage
Survey - research locations: Museum
Survey - other remarks: Almost no information on this location
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-17
Sign keywords: Architectural; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Fiberglass; Plastic; Flashing; Chasing; Back to back
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Silver Nugget Neon Survey document, August 17, 2017
Date
2017-08-17
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Silver Nugget sign that sits at 2140 N Las Vegas Blvd.
Site name: Silver Nugget Casino (North Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2140 N Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Lucky Silver Gaming
Sign details: Opened 1964 in North Las Vegas. This property also contains a Bowling Alley and an event center.
Sign condition: 4, looks that it needs to be cleaned and touched up.
Sign form: Super Pylon
Sign-specific description: There is a large fiberglass Silver Nugget on top of the sign that reads "Silver Nugget". Grey and white background with White channeled lettering with exterior skeletal neon and incandescent light bulbs contained in the letters. Below is a reader board.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Incandescent light bulbs
Sign - media: Fiberglass, plastic and steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Fiberglass for scuptural element and plastic for reader board
Sign animation: Flasher used for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This is located in North Las Vegas near fast food restaurants, residential areas and the North Las Vegas Library.
Sign - thematic influences: Silver Nugget Representative of old west style of themes and casinos. Along the lines of Golden Nugget and similar properties.
Sign - artistic significance: This casino opened in the same year as Jerry's Nugget and both had the same concept of the nugget in their signage. Though the fiberglass silver nugget is more remnant of Kermit Wayne's 1961 Golden Nugget bull nose sign that featured a fiberglass nugget.
Survey - research locations: Silver Nugget Casino website http://silvernuggetlv.com/
Survey - research notes: The website was the only helpful avenue of research on this property.
Survey - other remarks: The Neon Museum does have one of their older fiberglass Silver Nuggets in the Boneyard.
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-17
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Fiberglass; Plastic; Steel; Sculptural; Flashing; Reader board
Site name: Silver Nugget Casino (North Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2140 N Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Lucky Silver Gaming
Sign details: Opened 1964 in North Las Vegas. This property also contains a Bowling Alley and an event center.
Sign condition: 4, looks that it needs to be cleaned and touched up.
Sign form: Super Pylon
Sign-specific description: There is a large fiberglass Silver Nugget on top of the sign that reads "Silver Nugget". Grey and white background with White channeled lettering with exterior skeletal neon and incandescent light bulbs contained in the letters. Below is a reader board.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Incandescent light bulbs
Sign - media: Fiberglass, plastic and steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Fiberglass for scuptural element and plastic for reader board
Sign animation: Flasher used for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This is located in North Las Vegas near fast food restaurants, residential areas and the North Las Vegas Library.
Sign - thematic influences: Silver Nugget Representative of old west style of themes and casinos. Along the lines of Golden Nugget and similar properties.
Sign - artistic significance: This casino opened in the same year as Jerry's Nugget and both had the same concept of the nugget in their signage. Though the fiberglass silver nugget is more remnant of Kermit Wayne's 1961 Golden Nugget bull nose sign that featured a fiberglass nugget.
Survey - research locations: Silver Nugget Casino website http://silvernuggetlv.com/
Survey - research notes: The website was the only helpful avenue of research on this property.
Survey - other remarks: The Neon Museum does have one of their older fiberglass Silver Nuggets in the Boneyard.
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-17
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Fiberglass; Plastic; Steel; Sculptural; Flashing; Reader board
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US Motel Neon Survey document, August 13, 2017
Date
2017-08-13
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the US Motel sign that sits at 2500 Fremont St.
Site address: 2500 Fremont St
Sign owner: Catish T C 2006 Liv, Tr - Kootish & Chalung Trs
Sign details: 0.65 acre lot original constructed in 1954
Sign condition: 4 - decent condition, some rust, broken neon stars, repainted July 2017 by owners, some sun damage on reader board.
Sign form: Architectural sign (ontop of building) single sided
Sign-specific description: The architectural sign that is perched on top of the building is single sided except for the reader board that gives more info on the motel, details of reader board is painted on. Half of reader board is painted - the right side is left unpainted. Pole sign has the word "Motel" reading up and down surrounded by skeleton neon tubing, with the word ".U.S." on top of the pole with stars as the dots, skeletal neon on that as well. US MOTEL is only one sides where as the reader board is double sided. At night the word "MOTEL" would light up red with white neon outlining each letter. The stars around the U and S at the top would glow bright yellow, the "U" and "S" would glow with blue circles (unknown if neon or colored bulbs) with a yellow outline. The stars next to the word "MOTEL" light up a pale blue outline.
Sign - type of display: Neon and possible incandescent
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign environment: Motel is surrounded by other motels, stores and restaurants.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1955
Sign - date of redesign/move: Repaint July 2017
Sign - thematic influences: Patriotic
Survey - research locations: Motel site, assessor's office website
Survey - research notes: Approached owner behind front desk, he was unsure of origin of the sign, nor what company he had repaint the sign.
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-13
Sign keywords: Architectural; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Reader board; Pole sign; Roof Sign
Site address: 2500 Fremont St
Sign owner: Catish T C 2006 Liv, Tr - Kootish & Chalung Trs
Sign details: 0.65 acre lot original constructed in 1954
Sign condition: 4 - decent condition, some rust, broken neon stars, repainted July 2017 by owners, some sun damage on reader board.
Sign form: Architectural sign (ontop of building) single sided
Sign-specific description: The architectural sign that is perched on top of the building is single sided except for the reader board that gives more info on the motel, details of reader board is painted on. Half of reader board is painted - the right side is left unpainted. Pole sign has the word "Motel" reading up and down surrounded by skeleton neon tubing, with the word ".U.S." on top of the pole with stars as the dots, skeletal neon on that as well. US MOTEL is only one sides where as the reader board is double sided. At night the word "MOTEL" would light up red with white neon outlining each letter. The stars around the U and S at the top would glow bright yellow, the "U" and "S" would glow with blue circles (unknown if neon or colored bulbs) with a yellow outline. The stars next to the word "MOTEL" light up a pale blue outline.
Sign - type of display: Neon and possible incandescent
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign environment: Motel is surrounded by other motels, stores and restaurants.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1955
Sign - date of redesign/move: Repaint July 2017
Sign - thematic influences: Patriotic
Survey - research locations: Motel site, assessor's office website
Survey - research notes: Approached owner behind front desk, he was unsure of origin of the sign, nor what company he had repaint the sign.
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-13
Sign keywords: Architectural; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Reader board; Pole sign; Roof Sign
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Valley Motel Neon Survey document, October 1, 2017
Date
2017-10-01
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Valley Motel sign that sits at 1313 E Fremont St.
Site address: 1313 E Fremont St
Sign details: This location was around in 1957 with a Vegas Vic Sign (picture found on Vintage Vegas). Their original sign was still up in the 1980's. Currently the motel is gated up and has been shut down for a while and most of their sign is gone.
Sign condition: 1- most of it is gone
Sign form: Roadside sign
Sign-specific description: This sign in current years before it was totally stripped had the "VALLEY MOTEL" on a blue plastic sign that stated Vegas Motel. Though now all that is left is the reader board portion. The original sign that was up in the 50's had Vegas Vic on it.
Sign - type of display: Reader Board and Plastic backlit sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader board and plastic
Sign environment: This location is down on the east side of Fremont Street near Maryland Pkwy. This location has many other older motels down close to it.
Sign - date of redesign/move: Sign must have changed from the older one to the reader board one in 90's or early 2000's, and in 2016 was when the lettering on the sign was taken down.
Sign - thematic influences: The old sign had Vegas Vic was staying true to the downtown 1950's Vegas neon design and theme.
Survey - research locations: Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Valley+Motel , Google maps satellite and roadside view. Could not find information on the assessor's page.
Survey - research notes: Vintage Las Vegas had pictures of the original sign with the address which helped since I could not find the Valley Motel on the Assessor's page. Then google maps roadside view helped with seeing the change in the condition of the sign. Now the only part of the sign left is the reader board portion of the sign.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-10-01
Sign keywords: Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Reader board; Roadside
Site address: 1313 E Fremont St
Sign details: This location was around in 1957 with a Vegas Vic Sign (picture found on Vintage Vegas). Their original sign was still up in the 1980's. Currently the motel is gated up and has been shut down for a while and most of their sign is gone.
Sign condition: 1- most of it is gone
Sign form: Roadside sign
Sign-specific description: This sign in current years before it was totally stripped had the "VALLEY MOTEL" on a blue plastic sign that stated Vegas Motel. Though now all that is left is the reader board portion. The original sign that was up in the 50's had Vegas Vic on it.
Sign - type of display: Reader Board and Plastic backlit sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader board and plastic
Sign environment: This location is down on the east side of Fremont Street near Maryland Pkwy. This location has many other older motels down close to it.
Sign - date of redesign/move: Sign must have changed from the older one to the reader board one in 90's or early 2000's, and in 2016 was when the lettering on the sign was taken down.
Sign - thematic influences: The old sign had Vegas Vic was staying true to the downtown 1950's Vegas neon design and theme.
Survey - research locations: Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Valley+Motel , Google maps satellite and roadside view. Could not find information on the assessor's page.
Survey - research notes: Vintage Las Vegas had pictures of the original sign with the address which helped since I could not find the Valley Motel on the Assessor's page. Then google maps roadside view helped with seeing the change in the condition of the sign. Now the only part of the sign left is the reader board portion of the sign.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-10-01
Sign keywords: Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Reader board; Roadside
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