Narrator affiliation: Test Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Daytime views of the Maxim Hotel and Casino signs. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 160 E Flamingo Rd
Sign owner: Premier Interval Resorts
Sign details: The Maxim is located just east of the Bourbon Street, in close proximity to Bally's Hotel Casino. The Maxim is no longer operating, and is fenced off from further inspection. The signage that is seen entails building signs, the original pylon, and the porte cochere
Sign condition: Structure 2 Surface 2
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Building: The tower itself contains the logo and giant text spelling the name of the establishment, on one side of the building. The tower is mirrored and reflective, thus matching the porte cochere and pylon, and reserves to collect its building signage to one end of the tower. The tower, which runs east/west, and faces north/south contains the signs on the east end structure. On the north and south faces of the building, giant red channel letters run vertically along the block surface. The letters look to be lined on the interior of the letters with neon. The logo can be seen on the east face. Pylon: The pylon sign is essentially a giant vertical monolith of a rectangle, divided into several different sub-shapes. The center of the monolith is occupied by cabinets which fill in most of the shape, with a small gap bordering the cabinet. The cabinets are treated the same as the square arch, and flush with the surface. The cabinets are very subtle and create an illusion of one solid object. The entire outer arch shape and interior cabinets are bordered with polished aluminum. The interiors surface of the arch are covered in polished gold aluminum panels. The lining of the incandescent bulbs on the sign is interesting. On the arch the incandescent bulbs are on the interior return width of the aluminum borders. With this configuration, the bulbs sit parallel to the surface instead of perpendicular. The main marquee text is aligned horizontally across the top in gold channel letters with red plastic faces. The letters blend with the gold surface nicely. The interior cabinets are internally lit with plastic faces. There are two cabinets, the larger of the two, occupying the upper part the interior space of the monolith. Incandescent bulbs line the exteriors of the cabinets, sitting back on a recessed edge. Porte Cochere: The porte cochere is unique, opting to rise high above the surface of the pavement. The prismatic design crafted in polished aluminum, interlocks into a pattern suitable to the space which it resides. The recesses in which the decoration resides are separated by a small width of structure. This pattern of giant recesses, matched with the prismatic design in each negative space create a hulking environment high above the head in proud stature. Along the peak edge of the pieces of the prism, rods protrude every foot or so, creating a row of arms holding incandescent spheres.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: chasing, flashing
Sign environment: The Maxim is now closed, and stands in marked contrast to its neighbors a bit to the east--the famous "Four Corners" of Flamingo and the Strip, and next to the trendy Meridian at Hughes Center apartment complex.
Sign designer: Maxim letter design: Kenneth Young, Porte Cochere; Lighting: Jack Dubois Pylon sign: Marnell Corrao
Sign - date of installation: 1977
Sign - thematic influences: The influence of the Maxim hotel was 70's Vegas design refined to simple geometric forms and curved linear logo's. The pylon was completely sheathed in polished aluminum, as well as the underside of the porte cochere being polished gold aluminum. The use of the popular 70's material is used extensively throughout the design. Letters hung over the main entrance, as well as signage on three sides of the building. Other examples of the material can be seen elsewhere but not as extensively. The only property that comes close is the pylon for usage of the material is the Westward Ho.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint

Photos show McCarran Field signs during the day. 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 address: 6005 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: McCarran International Airport
Sign details: On the south end of the Strip, the very last sign on the east side before you arrive at Sunset Blvd Facing West the two stone pylons are set approximately fifty feet off of the street at the end of a dual-lane stretch of pavement separated by an island of grass. The banner marquis between the two pylons stretches over this area of grass.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 3 Lighting 4 Notes: The surface of the pylon is in good shape considering its age and its environmental condition. It is essentially left to fend for itself against the elements, being in the flat expanse of an airfield. The stone, plaques, and paint treatment are all badly worn, with the stone pylons, appearing the least worn.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The original McCarran Air Field entrance is constructed of two masonry pylons sit on an island of grass, and serve as an entrance to the private Hughes executive airport terminal. Each individual tower is adorned with a propeller attached to the front and the representation of a bird's wing crowning the tops Both facets are constructed of steel. When facing the structures the left has a plaque on the bottom section with the inscription "1948" while the one on the right reads "Las Vegas". Between the two pylons a stretch of text in white channel letters and white neon, large text in the old "Frontier style text reads McCarran Airport. The signage sits independently on top of a sturdy connecting steel cabinet, which supports the words "executive terminal" in smaller channel letters, with white neon. The cabinet is a painted blue horizontal plane tapering wider on either end in rounded profile patterns. The wings are outlined in pink neon, while the propellers are outlined in rose neon with a circle of white in the middle.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Masonry
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The surrounding area is rather dark due to the wide expanse of the airfield which stretches out behind the sign. It truly is a last marker for the end of the Strip, and stands alone. Even though it is in close proximity to the major strip resorts of the Four Seasons as well as the Mandalay Bay and various small roadside hotels, it seems to stand in solitude.
Sign - date of installation: 1948
Sign - date of redesign/move: The blue banner of steel and white letters was added after its initial construction.
Sign - thematic influences: The masonry pylons are constructed in an adobe style masonry reminiscent of the desert landscape surroundings. Designed for the airport, the appendages stem obviously around the theme of flight. This may be denoted from the propeller and the wing. The juxtaposition of the two elements, one being the method of flight in nature and the other man made, serves as a reminder of mans fascination with flight. The added banner's text is in the pioneer fashion of the original Last Frontier.
Sign - artistic significance: Opened in 1948, the sign was intended for use as a marker for the endpoint of the Strip. " It was part of the city's expanding policy creating a jet-scale entrance for the city," Jorg Rudemer from Lost Las Vegas. Artistic significance also lies in the combination of materials using masonry, steel and, neon. The piece successfully combined these elements to provide an architecturally solid design by day, which was cohesive with its surrounding landscape. A metamorphosis takes place at night as the sign is transformed into a glowing specter of its daytime counterpart. The surrounding area is rather dark as the pylon rises up out of the darkness as a neon marker for the property. The illuminated wing and propeller stand out as the significant and successful partners in the world of flight.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Masonry; Paint

Photos show Mirage signs during the daytime. 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: Mirage (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: MGM Mirage
Sign details: The main attraction of the property is its spectacular exploding volcano placed among an astounding array of lagoons, waterfalls and palm trees. One of the themed hotel casinos, the architectural form takes precedence over an abundance of flashing lights and neon. Two pylon signs reside on the front of the property along Las Vegas Blvd, another on the west side of the property, two arched banner entrances are placed among them, lettering atop the towers, and various text placed among the vast stretch of landscaping are the only visible large elements of signage.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5 The structure and lighting on the signs are in excellent repair, with no apparent major physical damage. The surfaces of the pylons and assorted log text, are a bit dirty, but no more than any other establishment, considering the punishment each must undergo due to the elements as well as the live volcano.
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Just north of Caesars Palace a giant pylon sign faces north/south, on the east side of the strip. Two giant square posts support a giant backlit advertisement panel, and an adorning entablature containing the channel letters spelling "Mirage." Between the two giant legs two cabinets are present to fill the space. Just below the main backlit panel an LED screen resides just above another back lit panel. The two giant legs have a series of polished metallic panels running vertically up the sides, creating a recessed channel. The sections are separated with slight overhangs. The bottom smaller panel cabinet is an advertisement for "Danny Gans" and the main panel advertises for the "Seigfried and Roy" magic show. A small banner rests between the main entablature, and the panel, reading "Magicians of the Century." The black channel letters in the main pediment spells "The Mirage," and are filled with incandescent bulbs. The lush foliage and walkways continue north where a covered awning faced with a carved wood and brass bullnose, allows pedestrians to take a moving walkway up to the resort. The landscaping continues north where it meets a driveway denoted by a low arched banner supported by a pair of square columns on either end. "The Mirage" is spelled in polished gold channel letters, with white interiors and filled with incandescent bulbs. The banner itself is sculpted into two sweeping solid shapes on the tops and bottoms, with a series of folded ribbon like scroll shapes. The center section is crafted as to allow light to pass through the negative spaces created by the rows of positive scroll shapes. The banners face east. On the faces of each of the flanking posts, two images of jumping dolphins are sculpted and finished in the same fashion. Past the gateway the thick beds of foliage and palm trees can be seen headed back along the drives. Continuing north a multi tiered lagoon rushes circulating water on and over waterfalls, while yet more green shrubbery and palm trees encrust islands and images of eroded rocks and geological formations. The beautiful imagery continues north, twisting and turning in and behind itself to create a fantastic spectacle for a passerby to be lured in and be fascinated. Approximately in the middle of the length of the expanse, the famous functioning volcano rests quietly amongst smaller rocks and waterfalls. Just past the volcano the lagoon opens up into a wide flat area of water where bronze dolphins are positioned to look as if they are jumping out of the water. Still the rich foliage dominates the landscape, until another arched gateway interrupts the expanse to allow traffic. The foliage, and lagoon landscaping, picks up again, cozily grasping the base of a smaller pylon of similar design as the first. The two reflective paneled legs rise up to connect with a horizontal piece of the same design. A large backlit cabinet advertising for Danny Gans occupies approximately three-quarters of the space between the legs. An entablature of the same design as the main pylon, yet smaller, crowns the top of the sign. The trademark font spells "The Mirage" in black channel letters and filled with incandescent bulbs. Just past the small double sided pylon, a small of recess of rocks plays home to the end marker of the Mirage. A bust of Siegfried and Roy with a tiger is ambiently lit, provided photo opportunities for tourists. An interesting function has been added to the bust. In the flower bed behind and on the sides of the object, faux boulders are places with glowing crystals protruding from the surface. The tower of rooms for the Mirage is the popular three winged "Y" configuration converging onto a center structure. On each face of each wing, giant black channel letters spell "The Mirage" in their trademark text. Each is filled with incandescent bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: Oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs located within text logos on the pylon sign, and upon the tower oscillate to appear as shimmering. The effect is one of the more common animations particularly among the larger, corporate casinos.
Sign environment: The placement of the Mirage right on the curve of the Strip makes the pylons visible from a good distance from either direction. The environment displayed by the mirage is that of paradise. When walking past, and up to the property, it hard not to stop and stare at the amazing foliage and spread of waterfalls, and rocks.
Sign manufacturer: Ad-Art
Sign designer: Pylons: Charles Barnard with touches from Wynn's design group Atlandia Design Group. Dolphin Archways: Barnard and Jack Dubois as well as hotel architect, Joel Bergman
Sign - date of installation: 1989
Sign - date of redesign/move: The main pylon has since been updated with a new Siegfried and Roy Back lit Mural, a new LED screen, and another back lit plastic screen featuring Danny Gans. An internally lit banner reads horizontally across the top of the giant Siegfried and Roy Mural which reads Magicians of the Century.
Sign - thematic influences: The theme is tropical island paradise. Complete with active volcano, the front spectacle of rushing waterfalls, chirping bird noises, and leaping bronze dolphins, serves as the backdrop for the simple, slim design of the property's pylon structure. The pylons were designed to reach harmony with the structure of the tower itself, rather than the island theme. The dolphins over the entrance arches however represent the tropical island theme, as well as speaking about the dolphin habitat inside.
Sign - artistic significance: The main pylon was the first of its kind to feature a full color illuminated photographic pictoral. Designed by Rosco, it was billed as the largest of its type in the world. The resort's themed spectacular was also the first of it's kind in regards to its extravagance and unique functionality. Approximate 125,000 people visited the property on its opening day. The resort fits well into the theme of design of the large, corporate property, after all it was one of the pioneers of such a movement in Las Vegas. The Mirage also set the standards for the now frequently seen element of the attraction spectacle, and the standard of quality on the Las Vegas Strip
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic

Nighttime views of the Bourbon Street Hotel and Casino signs. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 120 E Flamingo Rd
Sign owner: Carma LTD
Sign details: Bourbon Street is located between the Maxim and the Barbary Coast on the north side of Flamingo, stretching to the corner of Audrie and Flamingo. The building contains elements such as brick masonry, stucco and wrought iron grating. It is a smaller property compared to nearby plots such as Bally's or the Flamingo. Extending north a short distance for a structure of rooms and parking, the signage consists of wall signs on the east and west sides of the building, a main sign on the south side of the building, a sidewalk and window canopies, as well as a main pylon.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 3 Lighting 3--notes: The entire facade of the building, as well as canopies are badly faded and in need of attention.
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Headed west on Flamingo the first signage visible of the Bourbon Street is on the east face of the main building. A giant stucco arch, which runs the height of the building, is adorned at the very top with a round canopy. The canopy is divided into striped sections of red and white alternating panels, separated by gold aluminum polished raceways lined with incandescent bulbs. The canopy's underside is laden with incandescent bulbs. White channel letters reside on the surface of the building spelling out " Bourbon Street," with one word above the other. The letters are filled with white neon. Below the word "Street," the words "Hotel Casino," are spelled in channel letters and filled with red neon. Below the collection of channel letters and canopy, the majority of the space is occupied with an internally lit plastic screen with vinyl letters. Two small canopies flank the arch over two windows and also contain incandescent bulb raceways. The top edge of the building is gold polished raceways with incandescent bulbs. Along the south side of the building, long canopies are hung upon the top edge of the wall hanging over backlit plastic screens with vinyl letters. The middle of the building is an archway projected out into space creating an extension of the side of the building. The same canopy design seen on the east side of the building is seen at the top of the structure only larger in size. It is also treated with the same raceway and incandescent bulb design. "Bourbon Street" is spelled in al capital channel letters outlined in red neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. Above and below the text on the wall, white neon is bent into decorative, scrollwork patterns. The very top of the arch is crowned with a single internally lit spherical bulb. Below the text a cabinet with rounded top corners, houses channel letters filled with red neon. It is bordered with a raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. Projecting out on either side of this cabinet, along the face of the building, hanging over the sidewalk, is a canopy with an exoskeleton of raceways lined with incandescent bulbs. On the wall of the building, between the two top and bottom canopies, and on either side of the main entrance two small canopies hang over windows. They are treated the same as the window canopies on the east side of the building. On the west end of the property there is a small porte-cochere, and covered walkway that extends west to the end of the property. At a slightly higher elevation than the facade's canopy, the porte-cochere is a square design with the same external raceways and bulbs, the same can be said for the walkway extending to the edge of the property. The canopies look to be made of steel and painted to match the color scheme of the establishment. The underside of the porte-cochere is comprised of squared mirrored paneling illuminated with incandescent bulbs. On the west side of the building above the porte-cochere the same canopy and arch design can be seen but the text is more akin to the text on the south side of the building. The channel letters spell the text Bourbon Street in two lines. They are outlined in red neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. The text "Hotel Casino" is represented in channel letters filled with red neon. The only difference is the yellow neon design placed in between the two words. To the left of this sign, along the top edge of the building the canopy design picks up again hovering above a backlit sign message board. On the extreme west end of the property the main pylon sign faces east/west on the northeast corner. The sign basically consists of a large pole with a double-backed cabinet, crowned with the umbrella canopy shape seen throughout the property. The cabinet is of rectangular design with the corners cut out in a circular shape. The majority of the sign is occupied by the red neon bordered channel letters, which read "Bourbon Street". These are also filled with incandescent bulbs. The text "Hotel Casino" is spelled in channel letters and outlined on the interior with red neon. The left and right sides of the word "Street" are occupied with a channel scrollwork design lined with yellow neon. A channel pattern also separates the words "Hotel" and "Casino" This patterns appears to be like a flier de lie with its mirror image attached to it from the bottom. It too is filled with yellow neon. The face of the cabinet is lined with a raceway containing incandescent bulbs. The umbrella canopy occupies the top of the sign. It is fully realized in the round, with the exterior skeleton of the raceways with incandescent bulbs. The underside is also mirrored with incandescent bulbs spread across the surface. At the very top of the umbrella shape a streetlight puts the finishing touches on the sign. A small sign worth mentioning sits north of the main pylon at the edge of a small parking lot for the facility. It is a small back-lit cabinet denoting hotel registration and parking. The rectangular cabinet sits upon a small pole with a rounded section incorporated into its design. On the plastic portion of this rounded extension the words "Bourbon Street" are graphically painted along with the image of the red and white canopy.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Fiberglass; Glass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Oscillating, chasing
Notes: All the incandescent bulbs on the raceways that are visible, chase each from other top to bottom. The incandescent bulbs, which line the raceways on the umbrella shape on the main pylon, chase each other downward as well as around the border of the face of the sign. The underside of the umbrella is also encrusted with incandescent bulbs, which oscillate. The text on the pylon sign all light up simultaneously in an oscillating pattern, they then steady burn, then shut off. The main logo marquee seen on the south face of the building contains the same animation seen on the pylon sign as well. The small vertical raceways underneath the porte cochere also animate by chasing downward.
Sign environment: Headed west toward the strip on Flamingo, the defunct Maxim is almost invisible at night, while the first active property is the Bourbon Street. The main pylon resides directly across Audrie from the Battista's pylon, making a flanking neon gateway to northern bound travelers on Audrie.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 1984-05
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Bourbon Street is evident in its name being influenced by the Mardi Gras party atmosphere of New Orleans. The new Orleans theme itself is reminiscent of turn of the century America. The canopies and brass railing are reminiscent of properties such as the Westward Ho, with its umbrellas, brass treatments and raceways as well. The pylon is reminiscent of a close neighbor in the Barbary Coast, with similar style 19th century block text, and color palette.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Chasing; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Fiberglass; Glass; Paint