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Photographs of Harrah's signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Daytime and nighttime views of the Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Harrah's Las Vegas
Site address: 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Harrah's Entertainment
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Sign - date of installation: 1995
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint

Mixed Content

Photographs of Imperial Palace signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Nighttime views of the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Ralph Engelstad
Sign details: Shadowing Oshea's, the Imperial palace looms high above the street. The tower for the hotel is located just east of the strip, but one of the main entrances is the unique porte-cochere and facade on the east side of the strip. The main tower resides east, seen behind the Harrah's Carnival Court. Signage includes Giant channel letters on the tower, five cabinets of the Imperial Palace logo initials placed along the towers, internally lit sculpted cabinets on the front tower, as well as the an LED screen, and a vastly lit porte- cochere, along with cabinets.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 3 Lighting 4 The structure of the Imperial Palace's main tower signs seem to be intact, while the front towers signage and porte cochere are in great repair. The surfaces of the main tower are rather dull and pale during the day, but the light color aids in the luminescence at night. The lighting is in excellent repair.
Sign form: Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: The structure is themed after an Asian palace, complete with multi tiered swooping tiled Asian style roof lines, and wooden square beams placed to be representative of rice paper doors and windows, and symbols of dragons. Between two gaping square entrances of the front tower, sliding doors almost cower below a giant color LED message center, flanked by two back-lit , color, flex-front, two-dimensional dragons. The dragons stand upright pawing at each side of the central cabinet. The entire array sits on the lowest swooping Asian design roof level in blue tiles. As the building rises upwards, the center section repeats in multi tiered, blue roof lines, finally crowning with a fourth one, peaked at the top. The bottoms of each ones of these rooflines is bordered on the bottom with blue tubes of neon. The two main drives into to covered porte cochere, head east then turn inward, forming a squared U shape. Obviously one door is for entrance and one an exit. The ceiling is comprised of polished aluminum square panels, each one with four large, spherical, incandescent bulbs. The effect is an engaging field of animated bulbs, interrupted only by the presence of five large circular cabinets, which hang facing the floor. One hangs just into the entrance and exit, and one in the center of the north/south connecting sections of the two flanking tunnels, and two more set in the corners. The two just into the mouth, and in the corner of the tunnels, are polished aluminum themselves, with internally lit plastic fronts. These fronts are blue and white, pained graphically with an Asian geometric design, which fills the entire surface. The one cabinet is treated in the same exterior finish, but the design is created out of blue neon. Above the doors to the casino, in this cove, polished channel letters with blue plastic fronts, and borders created with narrow channels, are lined with incandescent bulbs. The tower set back into the property is adorned by a set of two story tall, white channel letters, facing west just below a long blue tiled roof, spell "Imperial Palace" and are filled with blue neon. Letters can be seen on the East face of the tower as well. On the same level of the southern end of the tower, a square, blue, channel edged cabinet, holds the channel letter initials "I" and "P." Another cabinet faces north on the north side of the tower. The channels and initials are lined with blue neon. The same arrangement can be found on the east side of the tower as well. The I and P can also be seen on the north and south end of the tower, but without the border. All of the rooflines on the tower are lined with blue neon as well. Both towers are ambiently lit with blue spotlights, casting a blue hue all over the property. At the very top of the front tower, a spike rises into the air, and is adorned with rings of blue neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics
Sign animation: Oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs covering the ceiling of the porte cochere, oscillate vibrantly, creating a shimmering cave of light.
Sign environment: The Imperial Palace is placed in an unusual position, with the front tower pushed right up to the street, with cars and taxis zipping in and out of the large square entrances. Just to the north is the Harrah's Carnival Court, which pushes right up to the edge of the north face of the front tower. Just to the south O Shea's sits in the great blue shadow of the Imperial palace.
Sign - date of installation: The hotel opened as the Imperial Palace in 1979. The front tower was built in 1981. The hotel was finished in three phases 1981, 1982, and 1987-1989.
Sign - thematic influences: The Imperial Palace is themed after an Asian palace, signifying the theme through several structural elements seen on the exterior. The stylized roofline, and actual shape of the roof are the representative of the classic eastern palace design seen throughout most Asian cultures in their history. The text on the main towers is stylized and representative of western text written to resemble the graceful brush stroke of Asian characters. Another obvious aspect is the backlit Asian dragons on either side of the giant LED screen on the front of the tower containing the porte-cochere. The Imperial Palace is a themed hotel, revolving around a culture, like that seen in Paris or the Bellagio. The significance of the signage relies in its Porte cochere. Related to the Riviera's parking garage due to the fact that it is located inside of one of the buildings, hidden away from plain sight. The stunning array of incandescent bulbs, lining the ceiling, and reflecting off of the high use of reflective panels. The use of the reflective metals is evidence of the leftover trend massive trend used in the 1970's due to an energy shortage. It itself, is a one of a kind porte-cochere and, is one of the most vibrant still in existence.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics

Mixed Content

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

Date

2002

Description

Daytime and nighttime views of the Klondike Hotel and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 5191 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The Klondike Motel Casino is located on the east side of the strip, just north of the Las Vegas Tourist Bureau, actually sharing the same lot. The two are only separated by a small driveway. The mining town theme is exemplified throughout the exterior of the property with a western style text, seen on other similar themed properties such as the Frontier. Murals depicting scenes of prospecting miners and saloons adorn the surface as well as red steel sides which appears as wood, because of its horizontal panels. The property stretches north/south with a small parking lot separating the street from the establishment. Behind the front building a series of structures house the rooms. The buildings signage is situated along the face of the building, on the elevated surface of the walls themselves.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 3
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The top edge of the wall entire face of the building arches, and steps up in various places, and is lined with gold raceways lined with incandescent bulbs. On the north side of the main building upon a vast paneled steel surface the word "Casino" is spelled in giant gold channel letters painted white on the interior. They are bordered in red neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. The text for the establishment is the western type face seen in properties such as the Frontier, or the Westward Ho. To the right of the text, an internally lit, white faced, plastic message board message board, is housed in a gold painted steel cabinet. Moving around the corner to the west face of the property, we see "Casino" spelled in the same manner of Cannel letters, flanked on either side by gold painted housings for cabinets, both crowning with an arched top. Incandescent bulbs forma border around the housing. Set inside each one of the square recessed areas is an internally lit, white, plastic faced message center, with vinyl lettering. Both cabinets are painted red. Below the main text an internally lit, white plastic faced, message center, with rounded ended runs the length of the space underneath the letters. The main entrance is underneath an awning, facing southwest. In the center of the top edge of the vertical wall above the awning, a circular internally lit cabinet is bordered with a gold raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. The surface of the sign is yellow plastic with the cartoon image of a dancing miner, complete with pick-axe. Below that Klondike is spelled with metallic channel letters with yellow plastic faces. The text descends in size toward the center of the text, then swells back to the original size on the sides. Below this, "Casino" is spelled in all capital, channel letters, filled with incandescent bulbs and bordered in neon. They are treated gold on the exterior and white in the interior. The awning cover the entrance, and is treated with neon as well. The face of the square awning is designed with three square recessed panels, with open bottoms. Three tubes of neon line each one of the three closed edges. Each tube takes a turn illuminating, red yellow, and blue. Cantilevered off of the left-hand side of the entrance roof line, a horizontal black cabinet reads "Vacancy" painted in white, and overlaid with red neon. The all caps text faces north/south. Continuing south along the face of the building, a two leveled stretch of structure, continues the last portion of the main building. On the red steel fascia continuing, above the overhang of the second level, "Klondike Hotel" is spelled in large channel letters, treated the same as those seen on the north face of the structure. They are painted gold on the exterior and white on the interiors, filled with incandescent bulbs and bordered with neon. To the left of the text, one on the golden housings for the cabinet, seen on the northern end of the west face, is present but empty. The edge of the overhang, beneath the text is also lined with a raceway and incandescent bulbs
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, oscillating
Notes: The text which spells casino flashes on and steady burns, then oscillates, steady burns again, then shuts off. Moving around the corner to the western face, all the raceways bordering all the elements chase each other, while the incandescent bulbs located within the text which spells, "Casino" oscillate rapidly. The awning adorned with neon also animates, changing color flashing from red, then blue, then gold. The text which reads "Casino" above the awning is filled with incandescent bulbs which oscillate as well. The incandescent bulbs in the main text on the southern half of the western face of the building light up one letter at a time then once they are all illuminated, then they all begin to oscillate. Once they oscillate for a few seconds, then they all light up once again. The sequence is ended once all the letters go dark.
Sign environment: Located just north of the tourist bureau, the Klondike has the honor of being the first casino a traveler encounters as they enter the Strip. Besides the company of the tourist bureau and the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, it stands rather solitary. It's collection of pulsating bulbs and neon make the Klondike the most dominant force in its presence.
Sign - date of installation: 1978
Sign - date of redesign/move: Before the Klondike was opened twenty five years ago, it was known as the Konakai Motel.
Sign - thematic influences: mining, goldrush--small roadside motels
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Oscillating; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint

Mixed Content

Photographs of Monte Carlo signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002
2017-08-31

Description

Photos show Monte Carlo 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: Monte Carlo Resort and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Mandalay Resort Group (50%), MGM Mirage (50%)-Mandalay manages the property
Sign details: The Monte Carlo is located on the west side of the strip just past the New York New York. The signage on the front of the Monte Carlo is limited, with the dominant honors going to the architectural aspects instead. The front facade is made to represent the classical architecture actually found in Monte Carlo. Giant patina fountains are flanked by sweeping staircases, where giant recessed arches and niches hold an abundant array of diversely positioned statuary.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: Through the main arch behind the fountain, located on the south east corner, an entrance is guarded from above by black channel letters spelling "Monte Carlo" and filled with incandescent bulbs. This entrance faces southeast. The architecture continues with relief entablature upon fluted columns supporting Corinthian caps, and more statuary. Light posts adorn the sweeping walk in front of the property. Throughout the architecture you can see pools and fountains contained between arches and recessed into other area. Another entrance in the same fashion as the southeast entrance sits facing northeast. Another set of channel letters is set above these doors as well. Just north of the last entrance is the pylon for the Monte Carlo. The pylon fits into the category commonly seen at resorts such as The Mirage, or Luxor. Essentially a giant rectangle in its general silhouette, a multi leveled collection of signs are designated into geometrical planes by the use of classical architectural elements. The sign is at the north end of the Monte Carlo property and faces north/south, and is double sided. The bottom half of the structure is occupied by a tall arch, creating a pedestrian element, allowing passage through the sign. The two legs that flank the arch are created utilizing a pair of double columns supporting a series of crowned ledges supporting yet another architectural element of a pilaster. The resultant effect is two rather massive collections of elements creating the outer legs of columns, combined with pilasters, for the recessed borders of the impressive arch. Above the arch the cabinet rises up divided into two planes, one on top of the other, each holding a message cabinet with a pair of the square post as seen on the structure just below. It creates another pilaster from the front with rows of stacked columns on the structures width. The two arrangements are identical in structure and facade. The difference lies in the different types of display each on holds. The top is a back lit color advertisement currently for magician Lance Burton, while the bottom is an LED matrix screen . The top is an entablature crowned with sweeping overhangs, and containing the text Monte Carlo in black channel letters and filled with incandescent bulbs. The signage on the towers of the hotel are the repeated Monte Carlo logos in giant black channel letters, and filled with incandescent bulbs. On each face of each one of the wings Monte Carlo is spelled in it's trademark text, in black channel letters and filled with incandescent bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: Oscilllating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the channel letters oscillate, at the entrances on the building as well.
Sign environment: The environment the Monte Carlo creates with its various forms of advertisement abruptly changes in aesthetic contrast to its southern companion and precursor to the northbound traveler. One minute the pedestrian is listening to the nasal audio streaming from the ESPN Zone loudspeakers, to the delicately ornate facade of the Monte Carlo's fountains and highly detailed statuary. Once you cross the drive it is not hard to be attracted the by classical architecture which serves its purpose of bringing in the patron with the limited space utilized for pedestrian passage across the front. I say limited, even though it is one of the more ornate and expansive ones, that is in comparison to its related properties of the Mirage and the Bellagio. The use of architecture makes the utmost use of this great strength of aesthetic by making it interactive for the pedestrian by allowing them to pass up close to the elements while entering the building or traversing the facade. The two giant wings on either end of the property act as arms to pull in people using swooping steps and large fountains. The signage is integrated into this environment, blending in nicely, in similar fashion as the previously mentioned examples. The oscillating incandescent bulbs can be found inside the channel letters, which is the most common animation seen in this type of signage in the other properties as well.
Sign - date of installation: 1995
Sign - thematic influences: The Monte Carlo theme is that of an understated European elegance.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic

Mixed Content

Photographs of Motel 8 signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Nighttime views of the Motel 8 signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3961 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint

Mixed Content

Photographs of NASCAR Cafe signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Views of the NASCAR Cafe signs at dusk on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Sahara Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Located in Sahara casino's Sahara Ave. side
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon Lighting and Sign
Sign - date of installation: 2000
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint

Mixed Content

Photographs of New York New York signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002
2017-08-30

Description

Photos show New York New York 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: New York-New York Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: MGM Mirage
Sign details: Occupying the northwest corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana Ave. is the New York New York Hotel and Casino. The property is a miniature representation of New York City in a collection of colorful architecture and sculpture. Colored reflective panels create the facades of high rises and skyscrapers. An almost cartoon like element is brought to the structures, flowing seamlessly sometimes throughout a surreal landscape of classical architectural elements and mock high rises. Distinguishable landmarks, such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge, can be recognized with ease. A lagoon of water represents a harbor shooting water out of fountains disguised as boats.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: The porte cochere is located on the south side of the property facing Tropicana Ave. The design cantilevers off of the main structure to the north, and then is supported by two columns on its far end. The three exposed sides hold the radiating crown of the New York New York logo sign. The two on the east and west sides are smaller than the one on the south side, but are essentially the same design. A half circle cabinet holds the text New York New York stacked in two lines. The channel letters are polished metal on the outside with incandescent bulbs on the interior. Their faces are bordered with red neon. The text is positioned on the front of the half circle cabinet. Breaking the surface of the radius edge, elongated triangular pan channels create a repeating pattern. The result is a crown of points running all across the top of the cabinet. It is reminiscent of the crown on the statue of liberty, or the rays of the rising sun. The face of the cabinet is painted blue, with metallic raceways, filling the negative spaces with more triangular shapes. The triangular pans are painted yellow on the interior with a blue finish on the exterior. The exterior width of the cabinet is also finished in a golden reflective surface. Three tubes of neon fashioned into succeedingly smaller triangles are inside each surface. The color scheme of the neon is yellow being the outer, orange being the second, and the center being red. The sign on the south side is designed the same, except being quite a bit larger, and the crowns of the cabinet angle forward instead of straight up in the air. All the edges are bordered with incandescent bulbs. The bottom edge below the signage, actually underlining the signage significantly, is a gold polished double bull nose that wraps the entire length of each side. The surface is strewn with small incandescent bulbs. An entablature runs above the bull nose, filling the spaces between the sign. The pediment is bordered on the top and the bottom with gold polished raceways and incandescent bulbs. Two mirrored posts support the southern end. The ceiling of the porte cochere is treated much the same as the logo signage on the three sides of the roof. Long pan channels are placed on the ceilings and shaped to look like waving banners, confetti, and beams, radiate out of a centerpiece positioned over the entrance to the casino. Red pans are painted orange on the interiors and green channels are painted blue on the interior. Tubes of neon are bent to the contours of the shapes of each one of these channels. The entire composition is a brilliant abstract pattern of light and colored steel shooting out toward Tropicana Ave. Headed east toward the northwest corner a bridge connects the Excalibur property to the New York New York. At the end of a bridge an entrance into the NY NY is below a LED message center and an arched logo cabinet, with the text and the radiating triangular channels. It is actually the same neon and color scheme, just fit to sit over the LCD display. The sign faces south. The sign has the distinct backdrop of a domed rotunda lined with columns. Rounding the corner another elevated bridge stretches east over the strip to the MGM property. The same configuration of the arched signage, along with the illuminated text, and LCD display screen is on the east side of the building. The corner facade of the harbor is flanked by these two collections of signs and walkways. Around the corner, the property extends north up Las Vegas Blvd continuing the facade of fake apartment buildings, with storefront windows at ground level. Here the replica of the Brooklyn Bridge serves as the main concourse of pedestrian activity. There are two sections of sign that are of particular interest to the eastern face of the building. The first is an advertisement for Panasonic. Panasonic is spelled in silver channel letters with blue fronts. The blocky font is internally lit. The entire text sits along the top edge of a matching message center. Further north on the face of the building, a section of building, finished in brick, combine graphics and three-dimensional elements for a sign for Pepsi. Toward the top of the face a logo/wall sign is crafted out of channel letters and filled with incandescent bulbs and bordered with blue neon. The entire text reads "Pepsi: Cola" The capital "P" and "C" are crafted out of one cursive style channel. The remaining letters are spelled in separate channel letters. The channel letters are stylized in a fashion reminiscent of the turn if the century. The colon placed between the "I" in Pepsi and the "C" in cola is also made out of channel boxes. Below the logo, a mural is painted on the majority of the remaining open space on the surface. Two police officers, in the style of early cartoons from the first few decades of the twentieth century, are the focus of the mural and are reminiscent of the famed "keystone" cops. The two figures are shown from about waist up in a circle, which is broken at the top by the white painted thought bubbles, bordered in black. The thought bubble on the left reads "bigger bottle" and the opposite reads, "better flavor". The two police officers correspond the appropriate thought bubble, with the one on the left being the larger figure, and the one on the right being smaller and apparently older. They are treated with blue paint, with their stripes, buttons and badges, treated in yellow paint. The skin tones are treated with proper hues, with facial features distinguished by black contour lines. The three-dimensional aspects come into play when describing their action. The officer on the left is pouring a bottle of the cola into the glass, which the other officer is holding. The one hand each officer is showing is a three-dimensional, fiberglass, white, cartoon, gloves. The one on the left is integrated into the tilted bottle. The bottle is coming off of the wall in a sculpted two-dimensional cabinet. The bottle is treated with the red white and blue Pepsi label, and reminiscent of the logo channel text. The tilted bottle points down toward a glass that the other officer holds. The glass is also a sculpted cabinet treated with paint on the surface, as well as the bottle, to appear as glass, utilizing highlights. Neon for the mural is cleverly designed to accent the mural and compliment the design. The text in the thought bubbles is overlaid with yellow neon, which animates back and forth to suggest an interaction of talking to each other. One half will illuminate, then the other as the first darkens. The yellow painted buttons, stripes, and badges of the characters uniforms are all outlined with yellow neon. The action of the neon in the bottle and glass can be seen through the semitransparent materials. Horizontal tubes of red neon fill the bottle, as well as the glass. In the space between the bottle and the glass waving tubes of neon pass through the apparent opening at the top of the cabinet, and can be seen behind the translucent face. When in action, the bottle appears as if it is pouring the liquid into the cup. (see animation notes) Among the ground level shops along the east side, marquis signage denotes passage. One on the southern end of the elevation just before the Brooklyn Bridge begins, and another, a bit further north, before the ESPN Zone signage. Two message panels come off the wall at an angle flattening off with a smaller panel boasting logo channel letters. Each one of the wings are spanned across the top of the face with channel letters spelling "entrance," painted in an off white on the interior. They are filled with incandescent bulbs and bordered with red neon. The remaining space on the bottom of the face is an LED message center. A narrow horizontal plane rises off of the top edge and is lined with three tubes of neon. The cabinet is made of a polished gold metal. The entire outline of the wing is lined with a raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. Smaller eastern face of the overhang is a square cabinet with an arched top. To either side of the cabinet is crafted into a set of two narrow horizontal planes. The one closest to the cabinet is taller that the one right next to it, with rounded corners echoing the curve of the main cabinet. The resultant effect is a sculpted cabinet with a top edge descending on either side in a water falling radius. These bookend elements are bordered with yellow, and three vertical tubes of neon running the length of the interior. They main cabinet is occupied by the internally lit double set initials "NY," stacked one set on top of the other. They too are filled with incandescent bulbs and bordered with red neon. The face of the middle cabinet is bordered with incandescent bulbs and finished in a slick blue hue. The underside of the overhang is covered in the polished gold surface and laden with incandescent bulbs. The northern end of the property is dominated by the signage for the ESPN Zone sports lounge, located inside the NY NY. The exterior signage is basically a theatre marquee entrance with a long overhang supporting an electronic message banner that reads from left to right. The majority of the theatre front is polished aluminum wit h thin tubes of red neon above and below the electronic reader board. Above the top edge of the actual front of the sign is a design of pan channels, crafted and shaped to form a complex background for the logo text spelling "ESPN." A wavy green crafted channel creates what looks like a horizon. The space between the marquee and the green channel is a black field laden with incandescent bulbs. Above the green channel an array of pan channels crafted into interlocking, swaying, pointed shapes. They are painted yellow and orange so the result is a bed of flames. These too are lined in the interior of the contour in red and orange neon. In the center of the entire face of the overhand in a black steel cabinet with the logo for the establishment spelling "ESPN Zone." The First portion of the two-word phrase is spelled in shallow channel letters lined with horizontal bars of white neon. The text is outlined in red neon as well. The second half spells "Zone," and is written in the same font with the "Z" being the largest letter in the sign, designed with the bottom horizontal leg underlining the rest of the letters in the word. The word is oulined with white neon as well. The latter portion is filled with horizontal bars of red neon. Situated along the middle of the sign, and against the vertical plane of the building, a blade sign repeats the design and colors of the bottom portion of the sign. The vertical cabinet is double sided spelling the "ESPN Zone" logo vertically with the same neon treatments for the respective words. The three toned background of black, green, red and orange on the bottom of the sign is interpreted on the blade. Running vertically, the black portion laden with bulbs runs against the wall, with the wavy channel next to that, disappearing temporarily behind the letters. The flames hang off of the outer edge of the sign. All of the neon treatments are seen here as well. Crowning the top of the blade sign two circular cabinets are arranged touching each other at one end, the faces pointing out to angled directions. Here the ESPN logo is arranged inside a circle. The bottom half below the letters is filled with horizontal bars of green neon, while the flames are present on the top half. The same cabinets can be seen mounted on the ends of the bottom overhang.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign environment: Centering around the theme of the city of New York, it utilizes the corner to create a wrapping montage of sales kiosks, paralleled by a miniature replica of the Brooklyn bridge transforming into a corner bay flanked by the overhead walkways, and bringing the viewer in to the brightly lit arms of the porte cochere. The environment of the overhead wall signs and entrance signs blend in and compliment the theme aspect of being in a city. Of course they stand out a bit more with the over the top Vegas garishness, but they also add to the pedestrian interactive feature that creates the environment in which it sets out to accomplish. The corner fountain provides a unique experience with the views of the neighboring casinos but creates a bit more of a surreal nature with the small scale Statue of Liberty and backing of stylized skyscrapers and metropolitan architecture. To follow further around the corner headed south; the blazing neon adorned porte-cochere is backed by yet more architecture and the sweeping tracks of the resorts roller coaster.
Sign designer: Marnell Corrao Architect: Neal Gaskin
Sign - date of installation: 1997
Sign - thematic influences: The New York City theme is the consuming factor in the aspects of the outmost design interior and exterior, as well as influencing the design of the signage itself. From the corner design being used to create a miniature water spectacular representing a harbor, to the faux apartment and store-fronts, and replica Brooklyn Bridge, to the peaks of the logo cabinet work. It joins the array of properties on the strip which are heavily themed, and designed to attract a family oriented crowd. It is also themed after a city.
Sign - artistic significance: This resort has regularly been recognized as one of the architectural wonders of the Strip, and the signage contributes to its fame.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass; Paint; Graphics

Mixed Content

Photographs of Official Tourist Bureau and Viva Vegas Gifts signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Daytime views of the Official Tourist Bureau and Viva Vegas Gifts signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3734 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The signage of the property is a wrapping fascia of horizontal message boards, which advertise for the businesses present. The building is a two story complex on the west-side of Las Vegas Blvd, facing east with a small parking lot along the front and on the south sides. The signage is present on the south and east walls. The signage acts as an artificial marker denoting the difference between the row of doors and wall size windows below, and the large panes of glass and tan stucco finish of the upper level.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 3 Lighting 3
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The advertisements are broken up into two distinct sections, but are treated aesthetically the same to retain the continuity of the property. The first is a red steel cabinet, which wraps the southeast corner. The faces of the east and south sides are bordered with aluminum, gold polished raceways, lined with incandescent bulbs. The backlit panels possess text which occupies the majority of the white surface. In red text, both of the sides read, "Official tourist bureau," above "Information-reservations." On the east side of the building above the cabinet, two tan horizontal steel boxes, support green channel letters that read in two lines, "Official," then "Tourist Bureau." Above the south face of the signage two separate sections of the green text read "Information" on the left side of the sign, and "Reservations" on the right hand side. They are treated the same as the previous text on the east face, with letters that possess green neon on the interior, and are in all caps. Further north, on the east face of the building, is another cabinet. This sign is only one side, occupying the flat plane of the remainder of the east face of the building. It too is a red steel cabinet with a back-lit face. On the left hand side of the face the two lined text reads "Viva Vegas," a top the word "Gifts." The second line of the text is flanked on either side by red graphic images of diamonds. The right hand portion of the sign reads prices for T-shirts and souvenirs, in black, blue and red text.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: The incandescent bulbs which surround the cabinets chase each other.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic

Mixed Content

Photographs of O'Shea's signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date

2002

Description

Daytime views of the O'Sheas Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Park Place Entertainment
Sign details: O'Shea's Casino is located just north across a small driveway from the Flamingo. The small but busy facade is a small, yet busy stop along the Las Vegas Strip. The exterior signage consists of two corner signs, a blade sign, hanging off of the west face of the building, a main entrance sign, backlit screens as well as various images laden with neon. All of these create a flashing display of luminescence all just above the pedestrian's head.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: O'Shea's Casino is located just north across a small driveway from the Flamingo. O'Shea's theme and signage is influenced by Irish culture and imagery, integrated into the forms of signage along the Las Vegas Strip. The building design itself is influenced by traditional European housing imagery, generalized with other elements of architecture also. One example of this is the coloring, exposed wooden beams and narrow rooflines over treated windows, which suggest styles seen in classic European architectural imagery. Examples of other elements such as sculpted windowsills and exterior molding are more akin to neoclassical than the Irish pub or cottage. A small blade sign hangs in the center of the structure facing north /south. Attached off of the building by two poles, the double sided cabinet is designed with a circular portion at the top that transforms along it's bottom edge into length portion of the "blade" that continues down to a rounded bottom. The Circular portion serves as the "O" in O'Shea's. The exterior of the signs width is finished in a polished gold aluminum surface. The top portion continues into a full circular space in the front where the backlit image of the O'Shea's leprechaun mascot resides in it's center. The image has a circular green neon border at the edge of the cabinet and is set into a field of incandescent bulbs, which occupy the remaining space in the face of the "O". Incandescent bulbs also run around the edge of a face on a gold raceway. Channel letters run vertically down the face of the blade spelling the remaining "Sea's" of the title. Each letter is filled with incandescent bulbs, and bordered on it's exterior in green neon. The remainder of the space, which comprises the surface of the sign, is a green material. The entire edge of the rest of the sign is also bordered with incandescent bulbs. Below the blade sign, the main entrance for the establishment is denoted by the large, arched, marquee logo, and wall sign for the casino. The arch shape is bordered by gold polished raceways, with the interior space where the O'Shea's logo is written in a bowed, horizontal arrangement with the "O" and "S" being the biggest letters in this group. The same back-lit leprechaun figure which is present in the blade sign, in seen in the "O" of the logo. The letters are of channel design and filled with incandescent bulbs. Gold scrollwork adorns the green background above and on the sides of the logo. An entablature, running the length below the arch, reads "casino" in channel letters filled with incandescent bulbs and bordered with green neon. The orange background in contained on the bottom edge with a gold polished raceway, which sharply curves into a downward point at the very center. All the raceway edges of the sign are lined with incandescent bulbs. Flanking the wall on either side of the main entrance are two backlit message centers with vinyl lettering. They also are bordered with incandescent bulbs, strewn upon polished raceways. To the south toward the Flamingo Casino, a corner marquee sign faces toward the southwest. The message center on the right of the main entrance essentially continues its shape wrapping in radius fashion all the way around the corner. As the entablature wraps the corner, the color changes to a section of black, containing the channel letters hung at a slight angle, spelling the words " Hall of Fame," in cursive text. Small stars in channel design adorn the black background. On the left of the text, O'Shea's is painted in red paint, in a cursive script at a similar angle as the premier text. Neon is shaped over the surface of the letters to allow it to be spelled in light. The word "Casino" is spelled on the right hand side, and treated in the same fashion. A top the black portion of pediment, the sign continues with it's corner finishing, rounded marquee, containing the text, "Magic & Movie," in a three lined arrangement. Putting the two signs together the appropriate title for the advertisement of the attraction is read "Magic and Movie Hall of Fame." The channel letters on the top portion are filled with neon and treated white on the interiors. The edge of the cabinet is treated with white bull nose borders, sandwiching a field of pink holding two tubes of contoured neon. At the peak of the sign a small element reminiscent of a fan, created using a multi layered box, uses different levels receding into space, with the center blade at the front of the sign. The sections are lined with gold raceways and incandescent bulbs, with the center blade being horizontally striped with tubes of neon. Two small gold finished gargoyle statues flank either side of the theatre-esque entrance. Underneath the overhang created by the corner sign, polished aluminum element creates a sloping drum shape above the door. This drum is divided into sections by gold polished raceways. The flat portion, which returns to the ceiling of the overhang is adorned with painted images of clovers, encircled in rings of green neon. This section is reminiscent of the top section of the corner drum of the Barbary Coast. The black pediment along the south portion of the building., abruptly changes to the orange color seen on the main entrance. Along the south wall section of the pediment green pan channels in the shape of clovers hang, lined on the interior with neon. A small sign denoting parking is also present. Another corner entrance is located on the north end of the property, facing northwest. It too has the rounded corner entrance and logo sign. Slightly different than the main entrance, the same "Casino text and structure is seen on the orange pediment above the door, as well as the channel logo with the mascot located in the letter "O." A three-sectioned panel with swooping wings and an arched center creates the field for the main logo. A more busy section of two dimensional scrollwork sits below the neon filled text. The wings of the top section a recessed panels with checkerboard design behind that. Each side of the entire top section is book ended with two small square posts. Three small miniature spires line the very top, and the same inverted drum shape sits underneath the door. Street posts reside on the sidewalk outside.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: All of the bulbs, which reside in the fascia signs which designate entrances, oscillate rapidly. The entrance sign a bit closer to the north end of the property also contain the pan channel star shapes, with incandescent bulbs in the center. The bulbs which, reside on the widths edge of the small pole sign at the south end of the property, oscillate giving a twinkling effect. The main pylon's animation is rather simple considering the amount of lighting. Bulbs which create the dazzling background chase each other upward to the very point, then once they reach the top, each letter light up from left to right, one at a time, then off one letter at a time. The letters all turn on simultaneously while, while the background chases up, leaving the lights off in its trail. The text then shuts off as well. The small incandescent bulbs lacing the background of the main body of the sign oscillate subtly, twinkling themselves. Each letter of the text contains a single row of incandescent bulbs, just inside the border of the red neon. This row is always on in a chasing animation from left to right even when the letters are dark. The animation for the three sided, pole sign, at the north end of the property is adorned with sparkling animation as well. The purple bulbs, which create the border of the main base, chase each other from bottom to top, and the star shape in the center is filled with oscillating incandescent bulbs. The bulbs, which also encrust the bottom surface of the cabinet, oscillate as well. The incandescent bulbs, which adorn the background of the text portion of the sign, also sparkle with a soft random oscillating pattern. The stars which sit on top of the cabinet, animate in a random, non descriptive fashion. The inner star shaped pans oscillate with incandescent bulbs, and the neon borders flash on then off, in a clumsy random order. The three-sided sign also rotates, one of the few animatronic signs on the Strip.
Sign environment: Being essentially part of the Flamingo, O'Shea's is only separated by a small drive, producing the easy traffic flow from the north entrance of the former. The north of O'Shea's on the immediate vertical explosion of the front tower/porte cochere of the Imperial Palace. It is easy to say that O'Shea's is sandwiched in between two giants, assuming its place as the charming gap between the Flamingo and the Imperial Palace which is quite a bit more pedestrian friendly. Traveling north on the east side of the strip, O'Shea's is not hard to miss at all
Sign - date of installation: Original date of installation 1989. The southwest, and northwest corner signage were added at a later date
Sign - thematic influences: O'Shea's centers around the theme of the Irish pub, utilizing various imagery to get support the design. The color green is used extensively in the main signs color scheme while the ever-popular image of the folkloric leprechaun illuminated it a cartoon form upon the pylon. The green pan channels, which are shaped like shamrocks, are place along the exterior wall, an obvious reference to the St. Patrick's Day Holiday as well a reference to good luck. ( example: the four-leaf clover, luck of the Irish.) Luck is something synonymously associated with an industry such as gaming. Gold is also used extensively with the exterior referencing the infamous pot of gold associated with the lore of leprechauns. The actual structure itself is constructed with elements which suggest a European rustic cottage.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Oscillating; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic

Mixed Content

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

Date

2002
2017-09-04

Description

Photos show Paris 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: Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Site address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Park Place Entertainment
Sign details: The Paris property lies on the east side of Las Vegas Blvd, between the Aladdin and Bally's. The three properties stretch from Harmon Avenue, all the way to Flamingo Rd. The only real neon signage includes the text seen on top of the replica of the Eiffel Tower, and a three-dimensional balloon shaped pylon sign located at the south end of the property.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Leaving the Aladdin property, headed north you are immediately confronted with the giant hot-air balloon, which acts as the main marquis sign for the Paris Hotel and Casino. The three-dimensional balloon shape sits among trimmed shrubbery and foliage, representational of a classic French garden. The sign is located on an island with a long driveway on its north side running east into the property. It towers high above the viewer, almost appearing as if it is floating. In the spirit of properties like the Aladdin and the Excalibur, the facade of the resort is modeled after a theme, which is the French City of Paris. Complete with fountains, replica street fronts and markets, the main focal point is a life size replica of the Eiffel Tower. Some signage is located high up on the tower, in yellow channel letters. The sign reads "Eiffel Tower Restaurant." The three-dimensional sculpted pylon sign is composed of basically three pieces. At the very bottom, a large post holds up the second section of a large cube. All four sides of the cube are occupied by square, advertising screens. The two facing east/west are back lit color plastic, while the ones facing north/south are LCD screens. The cube is finished in stucco, with sculptural treatments along all of the edges of the cubes. The edges are made to look like giant ropes with knots on all eight corners. The sign is located on the East Side of the strip, yet the only directional orientations are on the cube that the balloon sits on. The spherical structure is an exterior frame with blue vinyl material stretched to form the balloon shape. Steel framework also runs around the circumference in six different places along the structure. On the north and south sides Paris is spelled in red channel letters, filled with incandescent bulbs and bordered in neon. The blue vinyl material is treated with graphic painted images, which are repeated around the circumference of the balloon. The images are of lion heads holding red sashes, above golden eagles. On the middle section an image of a woman's face is surrounded by a golden halo. The yellow structural supports, which are visible on the exterior, also house tubes of neon. The resulting effect is a repeating pattern of neon running up the length of the structure, with horizontal bands around the bottom of the structure, below the channel letters and above them also. A criss-cross pattern adorns the two bands below the text, as well as a scalloped pattern above the text also. The porte cochere is a circular drive with the only lighting being incandescent bulbs running along the raceways, which create the structure of the interior. The structure is finished in a patina bronze, made to look oxidized.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign environment: Located between Bally's and the Aladdin, two heavily frequented and boisterous properties themselves, the Paris fits nicely creating it's own environment that stands alone when entered. If a pedestrian is present among the stunning architecture, it is easy to be pulled into the theme. Even though the Bellagio is west across the street, the expanse of the street keep the Paris far enough away to be mostly independent, that is of course if the Bellagio's water show is not being displayed. The surrounding properties of Bally's, the Aladdin, and The Bellagio make the area of Las Vegas Blvd between Harmon Ave. and Flamingo rd. a fantastic world stylized cities and dazzling imagery, yet an interesting mix of architecture and signage.
Sign designer: Architect/consultant: Bergman, Walls & Youngblood Ltd. Contractor: Perini Building
Sign - date of installation: 1997
Sign - thematic influences: The Paris Hotel Casino is obviously themed after the actual French city of Paris. The entire facade represents the Parisian atmosphere containing the most famous of Parisian attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arch de Triumph, open air cafes, plazas utilizing fountains, and the ornate architecture that spans from gothic to neo classical. The Paris fits into the themed hotel casino industry seamlessly, actually boasting one of the more ornate and unique facades. Other properties that parallel the Paris in style and genre include the Aladdin, the Venetian, and the New York New York. In fact it fits into the category of Hotel/Casino whose theme is what dominates the aesthetic surroundings as well as operation inside and out. Other facilities contain elements of a theme, such as the Stardust, but the interior and exterior are no longer the dominant aspect of the aesthetics. It also fits into the category of resorts themed after actual cities.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics

Mixed Content