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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Theta Theta Omega Chapter scholarship program documents

Date

2004-05-16

Description

From the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Theta Omega Chapter Records (MS-01014) -- Chapter records file.

Text

Photographs of Luxor signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002
2017-08-15

Description

Photos show Luxor 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 name: Luxor (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Mandalay Resort Group
Sign details: The giant black, glass, pyramid rises out of the desert as certainly one of the most unique structures. The pyramid is also accompanied by a monolithic, heavily geometric structure, finished in the same black, panels of windows. Just to the north. The front of the property is dominated by an array or Egyptian architectural landmarks such as an giant obelisk, the Sphinx, various statues of Egyptian gods and pharaohs line the multi tiered expanse of concrete and stucco. The property is pedestrian interactive, being able to pass underneath the giant obelisk, and through and beneath the giant Sphinx. The feel produced by area is appropriate for the desert environment.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: On the expanse of concrete in front of Las Vegas Blvd, just north of the obelisk, a double-sided pylon sign joins the ancient composition. The pylon actually is more akin to the pylons seen at properties such as the Monte Carlo or the Mirage. It is located in the northern portion of the property on the west side of the strip-facing northwest along Las Vegas Blvd Two square posts support a two-sided square cabinet which houses a back lit advertisement and a set of crafted letters spelling the name of the establishment. Occupying the upper portion of the space between the legs another internally lit, two sided, cabinet, atop a small pair of internally lit sculpted cabinets. From a distance the cabinets look like thumbs holding up the cabinet. The shapes are graphically treated on the surfaces to look like colorful recreations of a hieroglyphic bird, the wings being the elongated portion of the cabinet. The only art attached to the cabinet is the portion designated for the head of the creature. Three sets of sculpted cornices, create borders for the different planes. The bases of the legs are treated with the ledging, the section separating the top cabinet, from the rest of the sign, and finally another set around the top crowning edge of the sign. Both sides of the top edge have a sculpted element in the very center. A flat circle, presumably a representation of the sun, flanked by two snakes are set on a pair of large wings spreading to either side. This element is ambiently lit from underneath. The text, which spells "Luxor," is composed of polished gold channel letters, with closed faces with graphic treatments in blue upon the faces. The faces are painted to appear if the letters are faceted into three dimensions. They are lit from behind with whit neon creating a halo effect around the letters. The surface of the actual structure is finished to appear as if it is constructed of limestone, utilizing false joints and seams. The south end of the property close to the street is the four-sided obelisk. The text on the obelisk is the same word treated in the same fashion, structurally and aesthetically, as the pylon sign. The only difference is that it reads vertically from top to bottom. Statuary adorn the base of the obelisk in a repeating pattern as well as it being covered in hieroglyphic patterns. A tunnel allows for the pedestrian to pass underneath the obelisk. The porte cochere is located underneath the body of the Sphinx, another use of the architecture to incorporate the pedestrian element. If you head east through the sphinx, a tunnel opens up into a small courtyard where a shuttle bus may be caught. The ceiling of the porte cochere is adorned with a circular chandelier, composed of metal representations of leafy branches radiating around a rounded center. The ends of the arms hold length-wise half cylinder lamps. The ceiling above is painted blue. The most spectacular element of the Luxor is its super powerful light in the place of the capstone at the very peak. The beam is one of the most powerful lights in the world, and can be seen from high above into the earth's atmosphere as well. The edges of the pyramid are also raceways, which can be seen in action in the dark. An animation of bulbs makes it appear as if a single bulb of light streams up the base to the very peak. The animation runs at an interval of every couple of seconds. On the very south edge of the property, actually on the southeast corner, is a sculpted, small pylon which houses a color led screen.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel; Masonry
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plaster
Sign animation: Chasing
Sign environment: Standing next to the Mandalay Bay on the west side of the southern end of Las Vegas Blvd, the Luxor's front exterior is a sprawling mass of smooth vertical planes turning into eloquent statue and stucco walls. They are interlaced with drives and signage complete with a platform at the base of the Sphinx, which is just east of where the valet and porte cochere are grounded in the base of the beasts belly. From the edge of a Platform a tram station is located and also a view of the signage can be seen as well. The Luxor's environment is a very pedestrian one as well. Being in an isolated part of the strip, the noise clutter brought about by the surging traffic is considerably better than the heart of the strip.
Sign designer: Veldon Simpson
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Luxor is obviously that of ancient Egypt. The Ancient Egyptian imagery is placed among the same images but represented in the shiny black glass, giving a touch of future meets the past. The image seen are some of the most commonly seen images when talking about the Ancient Egyptian culture. The Sphinx stands guard at the base of the giant black pyramid, one sign is attached to an obelisk. Various statuary adorn the entire plaza. The environment created with the motif obviously fits into the desert like dust, but still retains the surreal nature associated with the themed hotel. The aesthetics appear to be fantastic, but are a bit odd due to the arrangements and limitations on space. It does however fir into an interesting sub category of resort that is themed around a culture. Yes it is themed around a city, but the culture shines through with more dominance. Another example of this is the Imperial Palace. It is not necessarily themed after a particular city, but the architecture and imagery suggests the Asian culture.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Steel; Masonry; Plaster

Mixed Content

Photographs of Treasure Island signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002
2017-08-30

Description

Photos show Treasure Island signs during the day and 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: Treasure Island Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3300 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: MGM Mirage
Sign details: Next to the Mirage, this property complements its sister property
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5 Signage is in good condition
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: The Treasure Island Hotel and Casino sits between the Mirage and Spring Mountain road. Fitting right into the themed hotel resort genre that dominates this side of the strip, the Treasure Island provides one of the more unique facades. Just past the bust of Siegfried and Roy, the dense foliage and trees continue on almost fluently between properties. The first elements you see headed north is the giant sculpted pylon for the resort, set beside a sweeping incline drive, leading to the porte-cohere. The pylon is a collection a heavily crafted and sculpted elements, creating a framework for two message cabinets and a marquee banner on either side. At the base, steel poles exit the ground in a "V" shape, into the interior of the area designated for the LCD and backlit cabinets. Steel poles forma grid work between the "V" shape. The message boards are bordered by steel piles made to appear as if they are pieces of bamboo lashed together at the corners, extending past the joints in an irregular fashion. Two base poles and inner grid are finished in the same fashion. Above the message cabinet a three-dimensional sculpted crows nest sits just below a giant skull adorned with a scarf. The tip of the bottom of green finished crows nest just reaches the top of the two cabinets. The fully three dimensional skull is finished in a realistic fashion. Two giant swords cross each other in an X pattern behind the crow's nest and underneath the skull. The resultant effect is the pirate emblem of the "skull and cross bones" or "jolly roger." The hilts of the two swords come to rest on top of the message centers also. A grid work of false bamboo poles can be seen , providing a buffer between the two halves of the sign. Above the head of the pirate an arched steel cabinet ,creates a banner, which reads "Treasure Island" in white channel letters and filled with incandescent bulbs. Decorative scrollwork adorns the top of the banner as well as the two sides of the skull. The Treasure Island tower is also in the popular Y shaped configuration. The 38 story building stands 456 feet tall, with the text hung on the top of the tower in a couple of different fashions. On the face created by the north and southeast wings of the tower, Treasure Island is spelled in giant channel letters, but the two words are in close proximity to each other, resting in the angle created by the joining of the two wings into the center structure. The southwest face created by the west and southeast wings have the text separated. Treasure on the west towers and island on the southeast tower. The northwest side is appropriately displayed only on the north face of the wing, so the southbound traffic on I-15 can read the letters clearly. The Treasure Island also has two additional signs located toward the back of the property. Those would include a small pylon facing east west actually situated in the rear of the property. The pylon is a simple square supported with two square posts. The other resides on Spring Mtn Rd. headed east on the south side of the street. It resides on the corner of the main traffic flow from the parking garage and inner sanctum of roads leading to the porte- cochere.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Oscillating
Notes: The only animation present is in the channel letters themselves. The incandescent bulbs on the interiors oscillate wildly
Sign environment: The front spectacular of the pirate show truly creates the theme of the pirate island, and is where most of the pedestrian traffic for the hotel is present. The pylon is just south of the spectacular, towering high overhead. The Treasure Island's environment is abruptly halted by Spring Mtn road but at the same time, it also wraps the corner of the hotel, and continues west. It is the bookend piece to the other major MGM resorts, which reside south of the Treasure Island. Even though it is a smaller child of the bigger properties, it still looms as a giant to its neighbors the Vagabond and Tam O'Shanter
Sign manufacturer: Atlandia Design
Sign - date of installation: 1993
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Treasure Island is painfully apparent, from its name to its live pirate show. The signage truly reflects it as well. Treasure Island is definitely in the class of properties, which can be called a themed resort. The main pylon looks to be constructed out pieces of a wrecked ship, with the most commonly seen symbol for a pirate, in the Jolly Roger skull, being the most impactful piece up there. Steel beams are finished to look like wooden masts, and giant ropes, slinging the entire sign together. It utilizes the three dimensional aspects, yet retains the design of a pylon. Unlike its neighbor to the south the mirage, the Treasure islands theme encompasses the main pylon, with the exception of the pylon in the rear of the property. The surroundings, which provide the background for the pylon, as well as the environment for the property, reflect them as well. The landscaping boasts tropical plants emitting false bird noises, which stretch around to the face of the property, where the pirate village and ships reside in cold waters, and faux cliffs. The wooden planks resembling pier docks, provide a tidy border for the arena and spectators. The theme has been seen before in one sense or related from a slight distance. None has actually utilized the name of the novel, and been so garish with the pirate theme, but it can be tied to propertied that are more island, and paradise themed. Such properties include the Mirage, the Tropicana, and the Castaways.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics

Mixed Content

Photographs of Arby's and Guinness World of Records Museum signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Daytime and nighttime views of the Arby's and Guinness World of Records Museum signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2776 Las Vegas Blvd, 2780 Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Arby's: Schultzen and Harry Sax, Guinness: ?, Cj's: PDS Gaming used to be Carl Fredrickson
Sign details: Located in a small lot on the west side of the strip, north of the giant Circus Circus pylon, and just north of the Arco AM/PM, the Arby's fast food establishment shares property and a sign with Guinness World of Records, and CJ's Slot Sales Facility. The Arby's is located in the front of the lot facing the strip, flanked on either side by drives. The "L" shaped structure for the other two establishments lies in the rear, western portion of the lot. To the north of the property, is vacant desert, stretching to Sahara Ave. To the south is Fantasia Gifts. Text signage adorns both structures, as well as a small pylon on the front northeast corner of the property. This sign is located in close proximity to the street.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 3 Lighting 3 The structural integrity of all the signs on the property seem to be stable and in decent repair. The surface of the Guinness channel letters is faded, and showing patches of white. The lighting on the Guinness sign does not work, but the main pylon is functional. Even though CJ's slot sales are not present in this location any more, the text on the pylon for CJ's is functional and animating. The back-lit letters on the Arby's facility are functional, but the red channel letters are not.
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The north and south sides the Arby's building contain red painted, channel letter text, reading "Museum & Gift Shop," with a lengthy channel arrow underlining the above text and pointing toward the buildings located at the rear of the property. The pylon sign is on the north end of the property, across the drive from the establishment itself. It is basically a two-sided, vertically standing rectangle, divided into two sections by a narrow LED message center. The top half belonging to Arby's and the bottom half designated for the Guinness establishment. Both are placed on a smaller section, which serves as the base. The top half is finished in mirrored panels, providing a reflective surface for the Arby's logo. The insignia for the establishment is the outline of a ten-gallon cowboy hat, with the text spelling "Arby's," displayed cutting through the outline onto either side of the object. The entire logo is constructed of crafted channel raceways. Two separate yellow pieces form the top and bottom portions of the hat, while the text is created in orange. All the channels are filled with incandescent bulbs, and outlined in neon. The bottom portion of the sign is also two sided with, a yellow tinged face providing space for a four lined series of text. The text reads, "Guinness World of Records Museum," in red channel letters, and filled with neon, of the same color. The entire sign itself is bordered in neon. The remaining exposed face of the cabinet is finished with mirrors also. The bottom edge of the cabinet is a sloped mirrored surface which angles down into thinner, but equally wide base that contains signage also. In polished channel letters, internally lit with red plastic faces, the text "Slot Sales," resides and contains a small arrow of the same design on the western edge of the sign. A black internally lit cabinet sits beneath that. The sides of the lower portion are mirrored panels as well. The wall signs of the building at the rear of the property, are similar to those seen on the north and west sides of the Arby's establishment. The signs run parallel to the walls of the face of the building. The building is "L" shaped with the leg of the "L" pointing east, and the longer section running north. Supported on a background held up with a series of cylindrical columns, a facade of gold, raceway bordered message banner, runs along the east face. It then recedes west along the leg of the "L", parallel to the northern face section, and angles back to meet the rest of the building. The text on the sign is spelled in red channel letters, and bordered with yellow neon. Along the shortest section facing east, the word "Guinness" is spelled. The section shooting west, and facing north, possesses the text "World of Records." The texts in both sections are almost as tall as the banner itself and in all capitals. The angled portion has smaller text, reading "Entrance" and two arrows pointed down on either side. The remainder of the eastern face is blank until the northern end of the face. On the wall above the entrance two cabinets flank a set of red channel letters reading "CJ's." The edges of the cabinet on either side of the center initials, is crafted in a triangular peak, making the two signs into arrows pointing toward the center. The outside edges are negative triangular cuts, echoing the other pointed end. The edges of the cabinet are crafted out of red raceways, lined with incandescent bulbs. Red channel letters, filled with neon occupy the white background on both cabinets. The left cabinet reads "Slot" and the right reads "Sales."
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Plastic; Glass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Sign environment: The environment of the Arby's Guinness complex is one of finality. To the north a vacant lot stretches on, leaving the Arby's dangling in conclusion on the west side of the strip. Even though giants such as the Sahara and the Circus Circus loom nearby, the Arby's complex seems very alone.
Sign - date of redesign/move: In August of 2002, the Signage for CJ's was removed
Sign - thematic influences: The theme is only dealt with within the realm of the businesses that they advertise. The Guinness signage is only text, but retains the raceways that are consistent throughout strip properties. The pylon itself is a multi use structure for all the properties, with a mirrored surface, and the cowboy hat logo for Arby's. So if there is any theme present it could be linked to a somewhat cowboy theme.
Sign - artistic significance: The facade can be linked to a trend that took place in Las Vegas in the 1970's. In an effort to help with energy consumption, the incorporation of mirrored panels was put into effect to help reimburse the present effect of lighting. The pylon has a mirrored surface. A trend popular throughout the 80's as well. In a weird link to a specific casino, the Arby's western hat coupled with the mirrored surface is reminiscent of a site such as the Westward Ho Motel. It too is a mirrored surface, utilizing similar colors, and the inkling of a western theme present in its text. The yellow bulbs animated in the Arby's channel edge are comparative to the pulsating raceways of the Westward Ho.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Fascia; Pylon; Incandescent; Neon; Plastic; Glass; Paint

Mixed Content