Search Results
4 Mile Bar Neon Survey document, September 8, 2017
Date
2017-09-08
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the 4 Mile Bar sign that sits at 3650 Boulder Hwy.
Site name: 4 Mile Bar (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3650 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Bob and Bill Joslin
Sign details: This is one of the most historic bars in Las Vegas. The original site of the bar was actually where one of the oldest communities in town began called Formyle. The community was there long before The Boulder Highway or US Highway 95. The area where the bar currently resides was called Four Mile Spring because it was "four miles from the center of town" and for the natural spring that was there. This part of town, for much of its history, was outside of Las Vegas city limits and outside of the laws for the rest of the city as well. This site was originally a brothel when it opened in the 1950s. In 1954, the property was raided by the FBI and then ended up turning into a bar. It is "one of the Valley's last true-blue roadhouses" and it is named because it sits four miles away from the Downtown area. They are also known for their very popular karaoke nights.
Sign condition: 4, the roadside sign is in good condition, but the sign that is attached to the building has some light bulbs that have been burned out on it.
Sign form: Roadside sign is a pole sign with a message center and there is an architectural sign attached to the facade of the building.
Sign-specific description: The road side portion of the signage for the 4 Mile Bar is fairly simple. The top of the sign features a plastic, backlit square that has a large red "4" and "MILE" in bold white text in the middle of the number. Underneath this is "BAR" in a bold red text against a white background. About a foot or two underneath this sign is a large plastic, backlit reader board. The main support for the sign is a white rectangular structure with two red stripes running down the center of it with a few inches of space between the lines. The architectural sign that is on the facade of the building is uncomplicated as well. The shape of it fits the top portion of the building and looks like a stretched out rectangle. All of the edges are lined by incandescent light bulbs. In the middle of the sign in open channel letters are the words "4 MILE BAR" that are filled with white glowing neon tubes.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, neon and backlit plastic portion
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic
Sign environment: This bar sits at the cusp where Fremont Street transitions to Boulder Highway. Many of the immediate properties that sit near this bar are motels and mobile home communities. This is also just down the road from Boulder Station Hotel and Casino as well as the Winchester Cultural Center.
Sign - thematic influences: The roadside sign is very straightforward since it just displays the name of the bar, but there could have been a stylistic choice to use the actual number "4" instead of the word "four."
Sign - artistic significance: The most notable feature about this sign is the number "4" instead of the word "four" that is used, possibly for stylistic reasons.
Survey - research locations: Accessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx, Review Journal articles https://storify.com/ReviewJournal/7-of-the-most-historic-bars-in-las-vegas and https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/over-a-century-four-mile-has-gone-from-trailside-oasis-to-brothel-to-bar/ , Vegas Seven article http://vegasseven.com/2013/06/12/las-vegas-bar-hall-fame/
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; Neon; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Roadside
Site name: 4 Mile Bar (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3650 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Bob and Bill Joslin
Sign details: This is one of the most historic bars in Las Vegas. The original site of the bar was actually where one of the oldest communities in town began called Formyle. The community was there long before The Boulder Highway or US Highway 95. The area where the bar currently resides was called Four Mile Spring because it was "four miles from the center of town" and for the natural spring that was there. This part of town, for much of its history, was outside of Las Vegas city limits and outside of the laws for the rest of the city as well. This site was originally a brothel when it opened in the 1950s. In 1954, the property was raided by the FBI and then ended up turning into a bar. It is "one of the Valley's last true-blue roadhouses" and it is named because it sits four miles away from the Downtown area. They are also known for their very popular karaoke nights.
Sign condition: 4, the roadside sign is in good condition, but the sign that is attached to the building has some light bulbs that have been burned out on it.
Sign form: Roadside sign is a pole sign with a message center and there is an architectural sign attached to the facade of the building.
Sign-specific description: The road side portion of the signage for the 4 Mile Bar is fairly simple. The top of the sign features a plastic, backlit square that has a large red "4" and "MILE" in bold white text in the middle of the number. Underneath this is "BAR" in a bold red text against a white background. About a foot or two underneath this sign is a large plastic, backlit reader board. The main support for the sign is a white rectangular structure with two red stripes running down the center of it with a few inches of space between the lines. The architectural sign that is on the facade of the building is uncomplicated as well. The shape of it fits the top portion of the building and looks like a stretched out rectangle. All of the edges are lined by incandescent light bulbs. In the middle of the sign in open channel letters are the words "4 MILE BAR" that are filled with white glowing neon tubes.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, neon and backlit plastic portion
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic
Sign environment: This bar sits at the cusp where Fremont Street transitions to Boulder Highway. Many of the immediate properties that sit near this bar are motels and mobile home communities. This is also just down the road from Boulder Station Hotel and Casino as well as the Winchester Cultural Center.
Sign - thematic influences: The roadside sign is very straightforward since it just displays the name of the bar, but there could have been a stylistic choice to use the actual number "4" instead of the word "four."
Sign - artistic significance: The most notable feature about this sign is the number "4" instead of the word "four" that is used, possibly for stylistic reasons.
Survey - research locations: Accessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx, Review Journal articles https://storify.com/ReviewJournal/7-of-the-most-historic-bars-in-las-vegas and https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/over-a-century-four-mile-has-gone-from-trailside-oasis-to-brothel-to-bar/ , Vegas Seven article http://vegasseven.com/2013/06/12/las-vegas-bar-hall-fame/
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; Neon; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Roadside
Text
Arizona Charlie's Hotel and Casino Neon Survey document, August 18, 2017
Date
2017-08-18
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Arizona Charlie's Hotel and Casino sign that sits at 4575 Boulder Hwy.
Site address: 4575 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC
Sign details: Currently Arizona Charlie's Boulder is owned by the Parent company American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC. The original Arizona Charlie's on Decatur was first opened around the 1980's owned by Ernest Becker III and his three sons. These locations were named for Becker's uncle Charlie Meadows. The Becker family has had a long history of development and real estate. Arizona Charlie's Boulder opened in 2001.
Sign condition: 5 - looks new
Sign form: Super Pylon
Sign-specific description: Octagonal design. Effigy of a cowboy at its center in an oval plastic backlit sign. There is the words "Arizona Charlie's Boulder" in channeled neon letters. Underneath is a Reader Board with a LED video screen.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent, Plasma T.V. screen and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED plasma screen and Incandescents
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent bulbs
Sign environment: A residential area surrounds the property, and adjacent to the main property is their own RV park.
Sign manufacturer: Possibly YESCO
Sign - date of installation: c. 2007
Sign - thematic influences: The Red and yellow/gold color scheme adds an old west and cowboy theme to the sign. The old West theme was very prominent in Las Vegas in the 1940's.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Arizona Charlie's Website
Survey - research notes: http://www.arizonacharliesboulder.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw9uHOBRDtz6CKke3z6ecBEiQAu0Jr3mlOR65dHh6OypoEF3LcYOCTWpwRltGP9Kh6YWjwBKgaApoi8P8HAQ
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-18
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Video screen
Site address: 4575 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC
Sign details: Currently Arizona Charlie's Boulder is owned by the Parent company American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC. The original Arizona Charlie's on Decatur was first opened around the 1980's owned by Ernest Becker III and his three sons. These locations were named for Becker's uncle Charlie Meadows. The Becker family has had a long history of development and real estate. Arizona Charlie's Boulder opened in 2001.
Sign condition: 5 - looks new
Sign form: Super Pylon
Sign-specific description: Octagonal design. Effigy of a cowboy at its center in an oval plastic backlit sign. There is the words "Arizona Charlie's Boulder" in channeled neon letters. Underneath is a Reader Board with a LED video screen.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent, Plasma T.V. screen and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED plasma screen and Incandescents
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent bulbs
Sign environment: A residential area surrounds the property, and adjacent to the main property is their own RV park.
Sign manufacturer: Possibly YESCO
Sign - date of installation: c. 2007
Sign - thematic influences: The Red and yellow/gold color scheme adds an old west and cowboy theme to the sign. The old West theme was very prominent in Las Vegas in the 1940's.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Arizona Charlie's Website
Survey - research notes: http://www.arizonacharliesboulder.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw9uHOBRDtz6CKke3z6ecBEiQAu0Jr3mlOR65dHh6OypoEF3LcYOCTWpwRltGP9Kh6YWjwBKgaApoi8P8HAQ
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-18
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Video screen
Text
Aruba Hotel (Thunderbird) Neon Survey document, August 30, 2017
Date
2017-08-30
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Aruba Hotel (Thunderbird) sign that sits at 1215 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Site name: Thunderbird Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 1215 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: 1215 Las Vegas Blvd LLC; C.F. Saticoy, LP
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1964 (Assessor). A vintage postcard from 1967 shows the Lotus Inn Motel and a Sambo's restaurant (VintageVegas.com, 2017). The hotel was renamed the Monte Carlo Inn in 1979, but reverted in the 1980's to the Lotus Inn (VintageVegas, 2017). In 1985, it became the Tally Ho (VintageVegas). Casino owner Bob Stupak renamed it the Thunderbird in 1986 or 1987 (VintageVegas). Stupak proposed building 15-story, $400 million resort hotel called the Titanic on the site, but vocal opposition from residents of the nearby John S. Park neighborhood and a trademark controversy derailed the project (Knightly, 2014). The property was renamed the Aruba Hotel in the early 2000's and became the Thunderbird in 2016 (O'Brien, 2016; VintageVegas). As of April 2017, a 15-story residential building was planned for the site (Carter, 2017).
Sign condition: Condition is 5, excellent. The lower portion of the sign is wrapped in plastic. The exposed upper portion of the sign shows the cabinet, paint and neon all in new condition. All of the neon tubes are intact and functioning.
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: The lower portion of the rectangular metal cabinet is wrapped in black plastic. "THUNDERBIRD" is spelled out in white blocks and red serif letters which run vertically down both sides of the plastic wrap. The upper portion of the cabinet is exposed. The cabinet is topped by a bird shape facing the street. The bird and visible part of the rectangular cabinet are painted forest green. Both sides of the bird are covered in white, blue, pink, yellow and green skeleton neon. Underneath the bird , a horizontal yellow skeleton neon tube is visible.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Las Vegas Blvd north of the Strip. Property is surrounded by other motels and wedding chapels.
Sign - date of installation: c. 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Tropical, Caribbean and Old Vegas. The parrot on top of the sign closely resembles the symbol of the former Thunderbird hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. The property has used the Thunderbird name intermittently since the 1980's, even when it was the Aruba hotel and the word "THUNDERBIRD" appeared over an "Aruba" sign. (Vegas24Seven, 2012)
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Carter, J. (2017 April 27). Fights are brewing over a proposed 15-story building downtown. Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved from https://lasvegasweekly.com/intersection/2017/apr/27/fights-are- brewing-over- proposed-building- downtown/ Knightly, A. M. (2014 August 31). A history of landmarks never built. Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/a-history- of-landmarks- never-built/ O'Brien, J. (2016 January 21). Thunderbird Hotel reopening with former Arts Factory owner at helm. Retrieved from http://vegasseven.com/2016/01/21/thunderbird-hotel- reopens/ http://www.vegas24seven.com/substance-cd- release-sinicle- the-great- circuiting-mechanical- death-a- sinners-confession- at-the- aruba-hotel- saturday-june- 30th/ Vegas24Seven.com. (2012). Substance CD Release, Sinicle, The Great Circuiting, Mechanical Death, A Sinners Confession at The Aruba Hotel Saturday June 30th . Retrieved from Vintage Vegas. (2017 February 16). Archive: Lotus Inn Motel, c. 1967. Retrieved from http://vintagelasvegas.com/post/157345077754/lotus-inn- las-vegas Zeitzer, I. (2007 June 29). On The One, The Aruba Hotel " Las Vegas, NV- 6/22. Retrieved from http://www.jambands.com/reviews/shows/2007/06/29/on-the- one-the- aruba-hotel- las-vegas- nv-6-22#ixzz4rBUwxlkh
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Steel
Site name: Thunderbird Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 1215 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: 1215 Las Vegas Blvd LLC; C.F. Saticoy, LP
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1964 (Assessor). A vintage postcard from 1967 shows the Lotus Inn Motel and a Sambo's restaurant (VintageVegas.com, 2017). The hotel was renamed the Monte Carlo Inn in 1979, but reverted in the 1980's to the Lotus Inn (VintageVegas, 2017). In 1985, it became the Tally Ho (VintageVegas). Casino owner Bob Stupak renamed it the Thunderbird in 1986 or 1987 (VintageVegas). Stupak proposed building 15-story, $400 million resort hotel called the Titanic on the site, but vocal opposition from residents of the nearby John S. Park neighborhood and a trademark controversy derailed the project (Knightly, 2014). The property was renamed the Aruba Hotel in the early 2000's and became the Thunderbird in 2016 (O'Brien, 2016; VintageVegas). As of April 2017, a 15-story residential building was planned for the site (Carter, 2017).
Sign condition: Condition is 5, excellent. The lower portion of the sign is wrapped in plastic. The exposed upper portion of the sign shows the cabinet, paint and neon all in new condition. All of the neon tubes are intact and functioning.
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: The lower portion of the rectangular metal cabinet is wrapped in black plastic. "THUNDERBIRD" is spelled out in white blocks and red serif letters which run vertically down both sides of the plastic wrap. The upper portion of the cabinet is exposed. The cabinet is topped by a bird shape facing the street. The bird and visible part of the rectangular cabinet are painted forest green. Both sides of the bird are covered in white, blue, pink, yellow and green skeleton neon. Underneath the bird , a horizontal yellow skeleton neon tube is visible.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Las Vegas Blvd north of the Strip. Property is surrounded by other motels and wedding chapels.
Sign - date of installation: c. 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Tropical, Caribbean and Old Vegas. The parrot on top of the sign closely resembles the symbol of the former Thunderbird hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. The property has used the Thunderbird name intermittently since the 1980's, even when it was the Aruba hotel and the word "THUNDERBIRD" appeared over an "Aruba" sign. (Vegas24Seven, 2012)
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Carter, J. (2017 April 27). Fights are brewing over a proposed 15-story building downtown. Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved from https://lasvegasweekly.com/intersection/2017/apr/27/fights-are- brewing-over- proposed-building- downtown/ Knightly, A. M. (2014 August 31). A history of landmarks never built. Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/a-history- of-landmarks- never-built/ O'Brien, J. (2016 January 21). Thunderbird Hotel reopening with former Arts Factory owner at helm. Retrieved from http://vegasseven.com/2016/01/21/thunderbird-hotel- reopens/ http://www.vegas24seven.com/substance-cd- release-sinicle- the-great- circuiting-mechanical- death-a- sinners-confession- at-the- aruba-hotel- saturday-june- 30th/ Vegas24Seven.com. (2012). Substance CD Release, Sinicle, The Great Circuiting, Mechanical Death, A Sinners Confession at The Aruba Hotel Saturday June 30th . Retrieved from Vintage Vegas. (2017 February 16). Archive: Lotus Inn Motel, c. 1967. Retrieved from http://vintagelasvegas.com/post/157345077754/lotus-inn- las-vegas Zeitzer, I. (2007 June 29). On The One, The Aruba Hotel " Las Vegas, NV- 6/22. Retrieved from http://www.jambands.com/reviews/shows/2007/06/29/on-the- one-the- aruba-hotel- las-vegas- nv-6-22#ixzz4rBUwxlkh
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Steel
Text
Barker Motel Neon Survey document, September 8, 2017
Date
2017-09-08
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Barker Motel sign that sits at 2600 N Las Vegas Blvd.
Site address: 2600 N Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Barker LLC
Sign details: 0.21 acre lot constructed in 1954. Property is closed.
Sign condition: 2- the sign is faded and neon has fallen off, as well as the majority of their original sign was taken down or weathered away
Sign form: Directional sign on top of building
Sign-specific description: The property has a tower which has a sign on top of it that is a peach colored arrow that has dark brown block lettering stating "MOTEL" that points towards the entrance of the parking lot of the motel. This end of the arrow has a steel support that goes to the first story of the building. This portion looks like it used to have skeletal neon but has fallen off. Near the road where this motel is located it looks as though there was once a sign because there is remnants of what the base of the sign was but no graphics on it.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Located in North Las Vegas, close to Jerry's Nugget Casino
Sign - date of redesign/move: Appears there are remnants of their original sign on the roadside, but the letters has been removed. It has been this way since at least 2010.
Sign - thematic influences: The arrow stating Motel is a 1950's/60's motel trend within the car consumer era and era of traveling to draw attention for people that are driving by.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/12.html Stefani drives Vegas has images of before/after of this motel with an image that they date circa 1960
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Directional; Paint
Site address: 2600 N Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Barker LLC
Sign details: 0.21 acre lot constructed in 1954. Property is closed.
Sign condition: 2- the sign is faded and neon has fallen off, as well as the majority of their original sign was taken down or weathered away
Sign form: Directional sign on top of building
Sign-specific description: The property has a tower which has a sign on top of it that is a peach colored arrow that has dark brown block lettering stating "MOTEL" that points towards the entrance of the parking lot of the motel. This end of the arrow has a steel support that goes to the first story of the building. This portion looks like it used to have skeletal neon but has fallen off. Near the road where this motel is located it looks as though there was once a sign because there is remnants of what the base of the sign was but no graphics on it.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Located in North Las Vegas, close to Jerry's Nugget Casino
Sign - date of redesign/move: Appears there are remnants of their original sign on the roadside, but the letters has been removed. It has been this way since at least 2010.
Sign - thematic influences: The arrow stating Motel is a 1950's/60's motel trend within the car consumer era and era of traveling to draw attention for people that are driving by.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/12.html Stefani drives Vegas has images of before/after of this motel with an image that they date circa 1960
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Directional; Paint
Text
Blue Angel Motel Neon Survey document, August 12, 2017
Date
2017-08-12
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Blue Angel Motel that sits at 2110 Fremont St.
Site address: 2110 Fremont St
Sign owner: Bartsas Mary 22 LLC
Sign details: Motel was originally constructed c. 1956. Sits on a 2.54 acre site. Property was later changed to Club 2110, but now is vacant.
Sign condition: Unknown - Angel is being repaired by City Centennial Commision and YESCO, and will believed to be placed on medium of Fremont and Charleston once restored. 4 - Arches were repainted at unknown time from original blue to a deep forest green, "Blue Angel" was removed and "Night Club" was put up in blue angels place. "Motel" wording on flag portions of the sign was painted over and replaced with "Club 2110". doesn't have any form of lighting, appears to be in decent condition.
Sign form: Angel - Sculpted Pole Sign/ Monument Sign, Arches: Pole sign with protruding arches on either side. Originally the left side arch would have rested on the Blue Angel motel building, but when it was torn down so was the connection, so it is free hanging off the pole support system.
Sign-specific description: Angel: Pole sign with sculpture of Angel on top. Was internally illuminated, her skin, hair, halow, pole, wand, used to illuminate. Two flag signs hung off of angel pedestal, one read "Motel" other would read "Blue Angel" on opposite sides of the pole. Would of glowed with blue neon. Arches: Repainted by new owner: Arcs protruding on either side of the pole with the words "Night" and "Club" on each other arches. There are flag like components going down the pole support with stars on the opposite side of each component. Slight directional tool of the flags that point downwards to the ground. The stars do not have any lighting system of their own (no neon or bulbs). Each flag component is double sided with painted on graphics.
Sign - type of display: Neon, and internally illuminated plastic
Sign - media: Steel, fiberglass
Sign animation: Possible rotation of the angel?
Sign environment: The property is surrounded by other motels, shopping centers and gas stations
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign architect of record: C. 1956
Sign - date of installation: C. 1956
Sign - date of redesign/move: Angel - 2014 repaint, 2017 refurbishment, c. 2014 repaint of arches
Sign - thematic influences: Believed that angel was modeled after Marilyn Monroe
Sign - artistic significance: 1950s pop culture themes - Marilyn Monroe and Disney-esque angel
Survey - research locations: Motel site, www.roadarch.com, UNLV photo collections, assessor's website
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Sculptural; Neon; Steel; Fiberglass; Pole sign; Internally illuminated; Incandescent
Site address: 2110 Fremont St
Sign owner: Bartsas Mary 22 LLC
Sign details: Motel was originally constructed c. 1956. Sits on a 2.54 acre site. Property was later changed to Club 2110, but now is vacant.
Sign condition: Unknown - Angel is being repaired by City Centennial Commision and YESCO, and will believed to be placed on medium of Fremont and Charleston once restored. 4 - Arches were repainted at unknown time from original blue to a deep forest green, "Blue Angel" was removed and "Night Club" was put up in blue angels place. "Motel" wording on flag portions of the sign was painted over and replaced with "Club 2110". doesn't have any form of lighting, appears to be in decent condition.
Sign form: Angel - Sculpted Pole Sign/ Monument Sign, Arches: Pole sign with protruding arches on either side. Originally the left side arch would have rested on the Blue Angel motel building, but when it was torn down so was the connection, so it is free hanging off the pole support system.
Sign-specific description: Angel: Pole sign with sculpture of Angel on top. Was internally illuminated, her skin, hair, halow, pole, wand, used to illuminate. Two flag signs hung off of angel pedestal, one read "Motel" other would read "Blue Angel" on opposite sides of the pole. Would of glowed with blue neon. Arches: Repainted by new owner: Arcs protruding on either side of the pole with the words "Night" and "Club" on each other arches. There are flag like components going down the pole support with stars on the opposite side of each component. Slight directional tool of the flags that point downwards to the ground. The stars do not have any lighting system of their own (no neon or bulbs). Each flag component is double sided with painted on graphics.
Sign - type of display: Neon, and internally illuminated plastic
Sign - media: Steel, fiberglass
Sign animation: Possible rotation of the angel?
Sign environment: The property is surrounded by other motels, shopping centers and gas stations
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign architect of record: C. 1956
Sign - date of installation: C. 1956
Sign - date of redesign/move: Angel - 2014 repaint, 2017 refurbishment, c. 2014 repaint of arches
Sign - thematic influences: Believed that angel was modeled after Marilyn Monroe
Sign - artistic significance: 1950s pop culture themes - Marilyn Monroe and Disney-esque angel
Survey - research locations: Motel site, www.roadarch.com, UNLV photo collections, assessor's website
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Sculptural; Neon; Steel; Fiberglass; Pole sign; Internally illuminated; Incandescent
Text
Bunkhouse Saloon Neon Survey document, August 23, 2017
Date
2017-08-23
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Bunkhouse Saloon sign that sits at 124 S 11th St.
Site address: 124 S 11th St
Sign owner: 11th Street Tavern LLC and Jillian is the manager (no last name found)
Sign details: This location opened in 1953, but has recently reopened under new ownership. This location is known for their concert venue as well as their southern style bar food.
Sign condition: 3-4- some fading in the plastic so it does not show as clear as an image as it could.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: This sign has a black steel base with a sign box on top. This sign box is steel but has wood renderings on the sides of it. The sign box contains a back lit plastic sign that is red with yellow lettering that states "The Bunkhouse Saloon" in a swirly western font. Below this is a reader board.
Sign - type of display: Backlit plastic sign and reader board
Sign - media: Steel, wood and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign and readerboard
Sign environment: This location is downtown on East Fremont across the street from PublicUs and a food market.
Sign - thematic influences: Their saloon theme is portrayed in the font on their sign. This theme could also pay homage to the early Las Vegas and Old West theme with the saloon idea.
Survey - research locations: Asessor's Page, Bunkhouse website http://www.bunkhousedowntown.com/about/ and google images.
Survey - research notes: Tried to contact manager for information on sign but no response.
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-23
Sign keywords: Pylon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Reader board
Site address: 124 S 11th St
Sign owner: 11th Street Tavern LLC and Jillian is the manager (no last name found)
Sign details: This location opened in 1953, but has recently reopened under new ownership. This location is known for their concert venue as well as their southern style bar food.
Sign condition: 3-4- some fading in the plastic so it does not show as clear as an image as it could.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: This sign has a black steel base with a sign box on top. This sign box is steel but has wood renderings on the sides of it. The sign box contains a back lit plastic sign that is red with yellow lettering that states "The Bunkhouse Saloon" in a swirly western font. Below this is a reader board.
Sign - type of display: Backlit plastic sign and reader board
Sign - media: Steel, wood and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign and readerboard
Sign environment: This location is downtown on East Fremont across the street from PublicUs and a food market.
Sign - thematic influences: Their saloon theme is portrayed in the font on their sign. This theme could also pay homage to the early Las Vegas and Old West theme with the saloon idea.
Survey - research locations: Asessor's Page, Bunkhouse website http://www.bunkhousedowntown.com/about/ and google images.
Survey - research notes: Tried to contact manager for information on sign but no response.
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-23
Sign keywords: Pylon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Reader board
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Capri Motel Neon Survey document, September 14, 2017
Date
2017-09-14
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Capri Motel sign that sits at 325 Fremont St.
Site address: 325 Fremont St
Sign owner: Nemo Motel LLC
Sign details: This motel was originally constructed in 1958. Their sign states "New Rooms, Daily and Weekly", so it is unclear if they renovated or if they have new rooms daily since this has been on their sign since 2007.
Sign condition: 2- Has a lot of weathering and the paint is very faded and some neon tubing is broken
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: This pylon has a red steel base. On the top there is a rusty-red rectangle with "MOTEL" spelt out horizontally in a painted white block letter font (looks as though it had skeletal neon with most of it broken on each side). Below this is a rusty-red rectangular blade sign box that has a white plastic sign in it that states "CAPRI" vertically in Red block font letters. The base behind this sign box does look like it has holes in it every few inches as a part of its design. Below this is another rusty-red sign box that has a white plastic sign that says, "New Rooms, Daily and Weekly, Free Phone- Wifi Internet-Cable T.V.- Movies" In a mid-century modern paint effect font. This sign box looks as though there once was incandescents surrounding it but are now mostly missing.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent remains
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit portion of sign
Sign environment: Down on the East side of Fremont, this location has two car sales lots on either side of it and has other Motels nearby.
Sign - date of installation: Has been up since at least 2007
Sign - thematic influences: The font they use on the bottom portion listing what this location offers has that thick paintbrush effect that you would see on older signs. With this it shows that many signs were hand painted (though we do not know if this one was or not).
Survey - research locations: Asessor's Page and Google map roadside view
Survey - other remarks: Next to the Flamingo there was a motel called the Flamingo Capri Motel which is a very similar name http://vintagelasvegas.com/post/116515472029/flamingo-capri- motel-las- vegas-c1960- this.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-14
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Plastic; Backlit; Pole sign
Site address: 325 Fremont St
Sign owner: Nemo Motel LLC
Sign details: This motel was originally constructed in 1958. Their sign states "New Rooms, Daily and Weekly", so it is unclear if they renovated or if they have new rooms daily since this has been on their sign since 2007.
Sign condition: 2- Has a lot of weathering and the paint is very faded and some neon tubing is broken
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: This pylon has a red steel base. On the top there is a rusty-red rectangle with "MOTEL" spelt out horizontally in a painted white block letter font (looks as though it had skeletal neon with most of it broken on each side). Below this is a rusty-red rectangular blade sign box that has a white plastic sign in it that states "CAPRI" vertically in Red block font letters. The base behind this sign box does look like it has holes in it every few inches as a part of its design. Below this is another rusty-red sign box that has a white plastic sign that says, "New Rooms, Daily and Weekly, Free Phone- Wifi Internet-Cable T.V.- Movies" In a mid-century modern paint effect font. This sign box looks as though there once was incandescents surrounding it but are now mostly missing.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent remains
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit portion of sign
Sign environment: Down on the East side of Fremont, this location has two car sales lots on either side of it and has other Motels nearby.
Sign - date of installation: Has been up since at least 2007
Sign - thematic influences: The font they use on the bottom portion listing what this location offers has that thick paintbrush effect that you would see on older signs. With this it shows that many signs were hand painted (though we do not know if this one was or not).
Survey - research locations: Asessor's Page and Google map roadside view
Survey - other remarks: Next to the Flamingo there was a motel called the Flamingo Capri Motel which is a very similar name http://vintagelasvegas.com/post/116515472029/flamingo-capri- motel-las- vegas-c1960- this.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-14
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Plastic; Backlit; Pole sign
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