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Jon Sparer oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02282

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jon Sparer conducted by Barbara Tabach on March 04, 2015 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Sparer discusses his career as an architect of many major Las Vegas, Nevada hotels and casinos. He also talks about designing the Congregation Ner Tamid and The Center for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) community.

Archival Collection

Biography: Klai, John and Jon Sparer, 2019

Level of Description

File

Archival Collection

Dennis McBride Collection on LGBTQ Las Vegas, Nevada
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: MS-00802
Collection Name: Dennis McBride Collection on LGBTQ Las Vegas, Nevada
Box/Folder: Box 33

Archival Component

Audio clip from interview with Jon Sparer, March 4, 2015

Date

2015-03-04

Archival Collection

Description

Part of an interview with Jon Sparer, March 4, 2015. In this clip, architect Jon Sparer discusses his involvement with designing and building the synagogue for Congregation Ner Tamid.

Sound

Photograph of Architect Jon Sparer, Henderson (Nev.), December 01, 2016

Date

2016-12-01

Description

Longtime Las Vegas architect Jon Sparer poses in the Sanctuary at Congregation Ner Tamid in Henderson. Sparer designed Ner Tamid's current location on the Greenspun Campus for Jewish Life, Learning, and Spiritual Renewal at 55 N. Valle Verde Drive.

Image

Photograph of Architect Jon Sparer, Henderson (Nev.), December 01, 2016

Date

2016-12-01

Description

Longtime Las Vegas architect Jon Sparer poses in the Sanctuary at Congregation Ner Tamid in Henderson. Sparer designed Ner Tamid's current location on the Greenspun Campus for Jewish Life, Learning, and Spiritual Renewal at 55 N. Valle Verde Drive.

Image

Photograph of Architect Jon Sparer, Henderson (Nev.), December 01, 2016

Date

2016-12-01

Description

Longtime Las Vegas architect Jon Sparer poses in the Sanctuary at Congregation Ner Tamid in Henderson. Sparer designed Ner Tamid's current location on the Greenspun Campus for Jewish Life, Learning, and Spiritual Renewal at 55 N. Valle Verde Drive.

Image

Jon Sparer and John Klai, 2017 May 12

Level of Description

File

Archival Collection

UNLV University Libraries Photographs of the Development of the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: PH-00394
Collection Name: UNLV University Libraries Photographs of the Development of the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada
Box/Folder: N/A

Archival Component

Transcript of interview with Jon Sparer by Barbara Tabach, March 4, 2015

Date

2015-03-04

Archival Collection

Description

In this interview, Jon Sparer discusses his involvement as the architect of Congregation Ner Tamid's synagogue in Green Valley. He explains details of the building including the concrete tilt-up form, glass windows and the incorporation of quotes throughout the building. Sparer also discusses his involvement with the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) as a board member.

According to architect Jon Sparer, when he moved to Las Vegas in the early 1980s, the art of the deal was still based on a "handshake." It was just after the infamous MGM fire and Jon went to work for Rissman and Rissman. He later worked for Marnell Corrao Associates until 2001, and then as a principal in his own firm. He is now retired. While honing his design skills with the exciting transformation of the Strip into a world-class destination, Jon also became an active contributor to the Las Vegas community. Among his most notable experiences was being on the search committee for a new location for the fast growing Congregation Ner Tamid and then the architectural design for the synagogue's location in Henderson. It was a unique experience and Jon tells how he approached each aspect of the religious facility and how it would provide a memorable setting for life experiences. Jon has been involved with Jewish Family Services and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). In addition, Jon along with his husband John Klai have been instrumental in the LGBTQ community and the opening of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada [The Center]. In this interview, he also talks about the significance of The Center/ and its success in working with the Clark County Health District, as well as providing a user-friendly experience for all who visit The Center and the Bronze Cafe located there.

Text

Architects John Klai and Jon Sparer with dogs at home, Las Vegas, Nevada: digital photograph

Date

2017-05-12

Description

Architects John Klai, left, and Jon Sparer photographed with their dogs at their residence, "CAVU," at 7 Sable Court in The Ridges private development near West Flamingo and West Desert Inn Roads. The couple built the home with the help of local architect Eric Strain and currently have it on the market for $12.5 million.

Image

Architects Jon Sparer and John Klai with dogs at home, Las Vegas, Nevada: digital photograph

Date

2017-05-12

Description

Architects Jon Sparer, left, and John Klai, photographed with their dogs at their residence, "CAVU," at 7 Sable Court in The Ridges private development near West Flamingo and West Desert Inn Roads. The couple built the home with the help of local architect Eric Strain and currently have it on the market for $12.5 million.

Image