The Somerset Shopping Center sign sits at 252 Convention Center Drive. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 252 Convention Center Dr
Sign owner: Somerset Shopping Center CO LP
Sign details: This shopping center was built in 1966 next to the Somerset House Motel. The motel was demolished in 2011; however, the shopping center is still around. Some businesses that reside in the shopping center include: a hair and nail salon, a dry cleaners, an Ethiopian restaurant, and a place for banquets to name a few.
Sign condition: 5, the sign is in beautiful condition.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: This pole sign sits close to the street so motorists and pedestrians can view it easily. A light blue pole holds up the main portion of this sign, as well as back lit plastic signs on each side of the pole that display what businesses are in the shopping center. The sign itself consists of a yellow ring that encircles three other signs. This yellow circle is covered in incandescent light bulbs that chase when the sign is lit up at night. Also, extending from this yellow circle are light blue poles in various lengths that are surrounded in neon tubes and oscillate around the yellow circle when the sign is lit up at night. In the center of the circle are three signs. The first sign is an elongated oval that has the word "SOMERSET" painted on it in bold white letters with a black outline on a light blue background. Neon tubes outline these letters. The sign under that is a large rectangle shape with each of the sides curving inward. There are also incandescent light bulbs lining the outer edge of this sign that chase when the sign is lit up. This sign has the word "SHOPPING" painted on it in bold white text against a red background. Neon tubes outline each letter of this word. The sign under this is another elongated oval that is a similar size to the "SOMERSET" sign. This sign reads "CENTER" in bold white text against a red background and neon tubes outline this word as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent light bulbs and back lit
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic portion of sign
Sign animation: Oscillating, chasing
Sign environment: The shopping center that this sign is located in is about a block away from the Strip and is near a few monumental properties. It resides close to the Las Vegas Country Club, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Guardian Angel Cathedral that Paul Revere Williams designed. It is down the road from casinos like the Wynn, Encore, Circus Circus, and the Westgate. The Peppermill, an iconic Las Vegas restaurant, is down the street as well. It was down the street from the Stardust when that property was up and running.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: Most likely 1966, 1960's era
Sign - thematic influences: The design of this sign is very eye-catching from the road, as are many roadside signs throughout this era of the city. Bold text and light animation make this a standout sign to attract motorists and pedestrians to the shopping center.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign appears to have some Googie design influence throughout it. It has a space age feel to it because of the yellow circle that surrounds the "SOMERSET SHOPPING CENTER" signs and the blue poles that extend from it also add to this style.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/somerset , Roadside architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-01
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Oscillating; Chasing; Pole sign

Includes meeting agenda and minutes. CSUN Session 15 Meeting Minutes and Agendas.

Barbara Givens was born in California, grew up in Reno, Nevada, and moved to Las Vegas in 1952 with her family when she was 14 years old. Her father ran a small construction business here in Vegas until he retired about 15 years ago. Her brother Steve and his children live in Vegas also. Barbara graduated from Las Vegas High School and enrolled in the first matriculated teacher's program at the Southern Regional Division of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (now known as UNLV). Barbara was involved in organizing the first "Rebel Yell", school dances in Las Vegas, and other collegiate activities in Reno. In her senior year, she returned to Las Vegas High to complete her student teaching. After graduation, Barbara was assigned to Rancho High School to teach biology. She left after a year and a half because she had married and was expecting her first child. At that point in time, Clark County School District did not allow pregnant women to remain in the classroom. Fifteen years later she returned to the classroom, this time at Chaparral High. Concurrently, Barbara entered the Master's in Education program at UNLV, and graduated in 1980. Barbara has always loved to travel and has experienced many wonderful trips to exotic places around the world. In retirement, she assists with special events at Hamm Hall and Judy Bailey Theater, goes on-line to offer her services as a biology tutor to high school students, and continues to plan exciting trips abroad. She also indulges in her favorite hobby - attending Star Trek conventions and collecting Star Trek memorabilia.