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Photographs of Star Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017

Date

2017-03-03
2017-08-21

Description

The Star Motel sign sits at 1418 South Third Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1418 S 3rd St
Sign owner: M V Star Group LLC
Sign details: 0.33 acre lot, originally constructed in 1947.
Sign condition: 4 - The sign is in excellent condition, but it does not light up at night.
Sign form: Pole sign
Sign-specific description: The sign itself is attached to a silver pole that extends out toward 3 rd St and is planted into the ground. On the top of the pole is a bright, blue star with a smaller white star in the center. The neon tubes attached to the sign are in concentric star shapes radiating out from the center. Extending out from the star to 3 rd st and curving back towards the pole that hold the sign is a trail implying that this is a shooting star. The first third of this trail is white and then the paint changes to yellow and remains yellow for the rest of the trail. The entire trail of the star is covered with yellow incandescent light bulbs. There are three very thin steel poles on the opposite side of the star from where the trail is attached. These smaller poles run parallel to the main pole of the sign and end about the same place where the tail of the star ends at the other side of the pole. Attached to these thin poles are stars ranging in size and made out of neon tubes. About at the midpoint of the main pole supporting the sign is a minimal, bright blue arrow that has "MOTEL" painted on it in bold white letters with a black outline. Neon tubes in the shape of each letter are attached to the center of the letters. Attached to the bottom of the tail end of this arrow is a smaller, minimal, black arrow that has "VACANCY" painted on it in bold white letters. Neon tubes in the shape of these letters fill this sign as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: Unknown, as it no longer lights. However according to RoadArch.com, at one time it might have flashed.
Sign environment: The property is in the heart of the Arts District. It resides next to many other small motels in this neighborhood. It is only a few blocks away from Main Street and Charleston where there are many art galleries, restaurants, and vintage boutiques.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1950s
Sign - date of redesign/move: Based on earlier photographs from the 1950's, the sign's main star that is blue with a smaller white star in the center was originally all white. Also, the white and yellow trail it leaves behind was initially all yellow as well. It is also believed that there were more stars attached to the metal bars that extend from the blue and white star and that they would have flashed.
Sign - thematic influences: A popular theme for properties during this time was the Space Age and this is sign is an example of that influential theme.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign shows an influence of the Space Age that was going on during the late 50's. Many motel signs in the city evoked the theme for the property and this sign does so for the Star Motel.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website, Vintage Vegas, www.roadarch.com
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-21
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Pole sign

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Photographs of White Cross Market, Las Vegas (Nev.), February 15, 2017

Date

2017-02-15
2017-08-11

Description

The permanently closed White Cross Market sits at 1700 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Vickie's Diner, housed inside, remains open. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1700 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Vickie Kelesis
Sign details: This location opened ca. 1950 as White Cross Pharmacy and remained opened until around 2013. This location transitioned in between 2013-2015 into the White Cross Market. The Diner attached to Market has been open since 1952. This is considered one of the oldest standing diners in Las Vegas. The Diner was originally named Tiffanys Diner , but in 2014 it changed ownership from Pete Kelesis to his Daughter Vickie Kelesis who Renamed it Vickies Diner.
Sign condition: 3-4- has had some fading and weathering over the years
Sign form: Pylon and building sign.
Sign-specific description: Blue lettering on a white background on the Building. Pylon has a white cross topping the sign, as well as blue lettering and white plastic back lit sign as the background. There are lights down lighting the building and pylon sign.
Sign - type of display: Plastic back lit sign and down lighting
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: No neon was seen on the sign, and was mostly spotlit
Sign environment: This location is a few blocks north of the Stratosphere on Las Vegas Blvd. as well as a few blocks south of where Dino's Lounge is. This is located in between the Strip and the Downtown area.
Sign - date of installation: The owner stated that the signage on the building as remained nearly unchanged since circa-1955.
Sign - date of redesign/move: The plastic back lit portion of the pylon has changed a few times.
Sign - thematic influences: Since the signage for the White Cross Market is still up even though the company has shut down shows the importance of this property for its history and admiration from the community.
Survey - research locations: Visit to Vickies Diner and discussion with the owner. Las Vegas Weekly https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/2014/nov/19/tiffanys-cafe-now-vickies-diner-downtown-landmark/, assessors, and recorders office.
Survey - research notes: From the discussion with the owner: The diner has been open for 65 years, making it the oldest diner in Las Vegas. Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Liberace, and many more celebrities would frequent the Pharmacy and the diner. The Pharmacy was first 24/7 pharmacy in Las Vegas.
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Steel; Plastic; Backlit; Building-front design; Pole sign; Back to back; Roof Sign

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Photographs of Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 1, 2017

Date

2017-03-01
2017-09-09

Description

The world famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" sign sits at 5200 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Welcome to Las Vegas neon sign
Site address: 5200 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: YESCO
Sign details: The sign was originally installed 1959, quickly became an iconic sign for Las Vegas. Betty Willis never trademarked the sign. Betty Willis died at 91 in 2015. Betty Willis also designed the Moulin Rouge and Blue Angel Motel signs. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a 25 foot sign which is considered smaller than a lot of the other signs in Las Vegas.
Sign condition: 5, Taken care of by YESCO and Clark County
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The base of this sign is a blue rectangle outline. The main portion of the sign is a white rhombus shape. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas written in red and blue on a translucent white background. The word "Welcome" is spelled in red skeletal neon on Silver Coins with each letter on its own coin. On the back of the sign it states Drive Safely Come back Soon. This plastic portion of the sign is surrounded by incandescent light bulbs. On the top left portion of the sign where the blue base of the sign comes out of the top of the sign is the famous red star that is outlined in neon.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, Neon and back lit plastic.
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign animation: Chaser for Incandescent light bulbs on the border of the sign.
Sign environment: This sign is in the median of Las Vegas Blvd. near the South most end of the Strip. This location has Mandalay Bay to the west of it and the airport to the east.
Sign manufacturer: Western Neon
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign - date of installation: 1959
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 2000s redesign of the median to accommodate parking for visitors.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is designed in the Googie style. This sign also has symbolism with the words Welcome, as each letter is on a silver coin to represent Nevada as the Silver State.
Sign - artistic significance: One of the most Significant signs for Las Vegas. It is easily recognizable and ingrained as part of Las Vegas culture.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Sun article https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/21/fabulous-las-vegas-sign-garners-historic-designati/ , Vegas website https://www.vegas.com/attractions/on-the-strip/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ http://www.lasvegaswhereto.com/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ Neon Museum Tour outline , Vintage Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/welcome+to+fabulous+las+vegas
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Chasing; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Incandescent; Neon; Pylon

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

Date

2002
2017-08-18

Description

Photos show Excalibur 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: Excalibur Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Mandalay Resort Group
Sign details: The Excalibur Hotel and Casino sits on the NE corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana Ave. While the main attraction is the brightly illuminated fantasy castle facade, the two giant multimedia pylon signs flank the property along the streets. One, on the South side of Tropicana, faces East /West, while the second sits on the West Side of LV Blvd, and faces North/South.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 4 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The two pylons are identical in design. They are both double backed, pylons containing animated incandescent Excalibur logos, neon borders, an animated, color, matrix message center, and a two dizzying renderings of jousting knights, constructed completely of neon, on either side. Constructed to appear as a medieval castle facade themselves, the signs are finished in stucco to appear as if built with stone blocks. The scroll shaped main logo sign box, the outline of the logo, the spires, and sword, are all outlined in neon. The 10'-6" channel letters contain white incandescent bulbs that animate.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Matrix
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing
Notes: The Excalibur logo, which is comprised of incandescent bulbs, displays a two part chase animation from left to right over the entire text, then in sequence, displays a flashing animation over the entire word before starting the pattern over again.
Sign environment: The two pylons are both in parking lots of their respected positions. Pedestrians may walk up to the one located in a public lot on Tropicana Ave.
Sign manufacturer: Sign Systems, Inc
Sign designer: Brian K. Leming
Sign - date of installation: 1989-1990
Sign - date of redesign/move: The backlit plastic message board and old electronic message center, have been replaced by a single, giant animated, color electronic message board.
Sign - thematic influences: Excalibur capitalizes on the King Arthur/Renaissance fair theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Artistically the sheer magnitude, construction techniques and the magnitude of the themed facade are sincerely significant in the artistic developments of sign making. The pylons directly reflect those elements.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Pylon; Neon; Matrix; Incandescent; Steel; Paint; Graphics

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Photographs of Pabst Blue Ribbon sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017

Date

2017-06-28
2017-07-22

Description

The Pabst Blue Ribbon sign sits near the intersection of Fremont Street and North Las Vegas Boulevard in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: Fremont St and Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: PBR Donated, but a part of Fremont Street East
Sign details: PBR held a revealing party when installed in 2015, right next to The Park on Fremont. YESCO manufactured the 30 feet tall sign is nicknamed Cool Blue. Previous to this sign in this location the Maharaja Hookah Cafe had their signage in the same location previous to 2013.
Sign condition: 5, just installed in 2015 so neon and paint are still in great condition
Sign form: Free Standing Sign
Sign-specific description: 30 feet tall, the sign is nicknamed Cool Blue. A 30 foot waiter holding his arm out with 3 beers on his arm and one in his hand. The beers are animated with them lighting up in order starting with the one closest to his body. His arm is resting on a PBR can. The waiters shirt and cheeks illuminate red neon while the rest of his body illuminates blue argon. The PBR beer can illuminates red and blue as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: The Beer cans on the waiters arm light up in order, starting with the one closest to his body.
Sign environment: This is located in the parking lot on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. North and Fremont St. East next to the Park on Fremont. This marks the beginning of the Fremont Street East District were other freestanding Neon signs are as well.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 2015
Sign - thematic influences: The retro theme makes it look like a throwback to 1950s/60s advertisement. Also since it is for a beer company it shows that Neon does not always have to be for the Casinos here in Vegas. This is one of the first freestanding signs you see in the Fremont Street East District, thus showing that the Neon community downtown still is thriving and still defines our culture here.
Survey - research locations: YESCO website http://www.yesco.com/news/yesco-installs-pabst-blue-ribbon-neon-sign/ , Vital Vegas website https://vitalvegas.com/downtowns-fremont-east-gets-a-new-neon-sign-courtesy-of-pbr/ , google map roadside view
Survey - research notes: Since this is a freestanding sign it is difficult to find any specific information on a single owner or why this sign was placed there specifically.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-07-22
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Back to back; Monument sign

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Photographs of Park on Fremont sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017

Date

2017-06-28
2017-08-11

Description

The Park on Fremont sign sits at 506 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 506 Fremont St
Sign owner: Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty both with Corner Bar Management Group
Sign details: This building was constructed in 1956. Though the Park on Fremont opened in 2013 in the former Maharaja Hookah Cafe though the building's exterior was renovated to have more of a wooden facade. This place is claimed as a gastro-pub with rustic-chic decor. Their outside urban beer garden is well recognized with its cool rustic design presenting a teeter totter and a CInderella-like carriage.
Sign condition: 5, very good condition and has bright colors during the day and night
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: They have a long oval shaped blade placed on the left side of the building which is neighboring the public parking lot next door. The oval part of the blade is black with white letters spelling out PARK from the top to the bottom in a thick type font. These letters illuminate green at night time. Surrounding the black oval is a red arrow pointing towards the building (not the entrance) with LED light bulbs which illuminates yellow at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon and LED lights
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED lights
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: LED lights around the perimeter of the blade.
Sign environment: This is the first bar/restaurant on the north side of the Fremont St. East district. To the west of the building is a public parking lot where YESCOs free-standing PBR sign Cool Blue is stationed. To the east is the RED dance club
Sign manufacturer: All Star Electrical Signs
Sign - date of installation: 2013
Sign - thematic influences: The blade with an arrow is is used on many other bar signs in the east Fremont District. Though many of these blade signs are above the entrance this one is on the left side of their building possibly to attract foot traffic from the Fremont Street Experience.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade with an arrow was a prominent sign design in the 50s and 60s.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Park on Fremont Website https://parkonfremont.com/ , UNLV (bio on Justin Weniger) https://www.unlvfootballfoundation.com/people/justin-weniger/ , google map roadside view, and contact with manager.
Survey - research notes: Owners Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty founded WENDOH Media which showcases Vegas Seven magazine, DTLV.com, RunRebs.com, SPYONvegas.com, Critical Focus, Corner Bar Management and the Life is Beautiful Festival. With the Corner Bar Management they also own the Commonwealth which is downtown as well.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; LED; Steel; Chasing; Incandescent; Directional

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Photographs of Fremont East District sign, June 28, 2017

Date

2017-06-28
2017-08-30

Description

The Fremont East District sign sits near the intersection of Fremont St and Eighth St. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site name: Fremont Street (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: Fremont St and 8th St
Sign owner: Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont East District
Sign details: The Fremont East District really formed together in 2002 for a coalition to maintain the vintage Las Vegas feel particularly by bringing out some vintage looking Neon Signs. This coalition became known as the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED). Since this area is already close to the Fremont Street Experience with foot traffic the 2007 revitalization also was an effort to create pedestrian friendly sidewalks.
Sign condition: 5 - Very good condition
Sign form: Pole mounted signs
Sign-specific description: The two gateway signs are identical in design to welcome drivers and pedestrians into the Fremont Street District. These signs go across all of the lanes of Fremont Street, so there are two poles on the opposite sidewalks and then two curved steel beams connecting the sidewalk poles, and the main logo is on the curved pole portion. The two steel sidewalk beams each have a yellow curved googie style design. Right above the curved yellow design, on top of the sidewalk beams each have a red starburst orbit. In the middle curved beam there are red channeled Fremont Street East in a mid century modern semi-cursive font, with yellow neon tubes within the channeled letters. Underneath the Fremont Street East letters there is the word DISTRICT in the red channeled block letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign animation: Yellow neon on gateway signs flash
Sign environment: The gateway to Fremont East District from both the East and West end. One sign is at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Fremont an the other is at the intersection of 8th St.
Sign manufacturer: Fluoresco Lighting and Signs
Sign designer: John Lutz
Sign - date of installation: 2007
Sign - thematic influences: This sign really brings back the mid-century modern theme, and the old Vegas theme as well. The starbursts are similar to the one from the Sweetheart Wedding Chapel Sign.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign speaks to the 1950s/1960s mid-century modern design with the starburst orbits and the yellow curved design.
Survey - research locations: Fremont East website, Floresco
Survey - research notes: Floresco Website http://www.fluoresco.com/pages/about/history.php, as well as contact with Gary Grider of Floresco, Las Vegas Today and Tomorrow Website, http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/fremonteast.htm
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Flashing; Neon; Steel; Plastic; Pole sign

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Arizona Charlie's Hotel and Casino Neon Survey document, August 18, 2017

Date

2017-08-18

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

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Fishers Inn Motel Neon Survey document, September 16, 2017

Date

2017-09-17

Description

Information about the Fishers Inn Motel sign that sits at 3565 Boulder Hwy.
Site address: 3565 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Maiya LLC
Sign details: The construction of the motel was in 1963. This location was previously the Comet Motel but the Fisher's bought it in 1987 and changed the name to Fisher's Inn Motel.
Sign condition: 5 - received new paint in 2017
Sign form: Raised roadside sign
Sign-specific description: This sign has a thin white steel beam base with plastic backlit sign that currently advertises ESPN, HBO, Over 150 channels and Free Wifi. Above the reader board is a rectangular (but has a curved portion to the top of it) blue sign that states "FI" on top in a cursive font, underneath in a block white font states "A Fisher's Inn". Underneath "A Fisher's Inn" there is are big yellow "MOTEL" block font letters with a simple "No Vacancy" skeletal neon beneath it. At night the "FI" illuminates yellow, "A Fisher's Inn" green, " MOTEL" red, "NO VACANCY" is blue, but on the top portion of the sign there is white skeletal neon in the shape of possibly a Fisherman's hat.
Sign - type of display: Neon and backlit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Backlit plastic sign
Sign environment: This motel is on Boulder Highway, close to the 515 and is near other motels and car sales lots.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1987
Sign - date of redesign/move: 2017 painted blue when it used to be green
Sign - artistic significance: There's a good use of multiple colors on this sign. As well as repurposing older signs from previous property has been a major trend for signs in Vegas. Good example of skeletal neon.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Bookings website gives hotel info https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/a-fishers- inn-motel.html
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-16
Sign keywords: Neon; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Roadside

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Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino Neon Survey document, September 8, 2017

Date

2017-09-08

Description

Information about the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino sign that sits at 129 E Fremont St.
Site name: Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 129 E Fremont St
Sign owner: Landry's INC
Sign details: This location opened in 1946 by Guy McAfee, a vice captain with the LAPD. It was bought by Steve Wynn in 1973 and remodeled in 1984.
Sign condition: 5- their sign has stayed in good condition since its installation
Sign form: Architectural
Sign-specific description: Their original concept was an old west cowboy theme and design with a Gold rush inspiration. Steve Wynn remodeled for a modest, modern design to the building almost abandoning the original design and theme. Currently there are many logos of "GOLDEN NUGGET" channeled letters containing incandescent light bulbs that have some exterior skeletal neon surrounding the letters. There are also LED lights surrounding most of the top of the first floor of the building. Also above the entrances there is a satin-like metallic gold material.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, LED and some neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Metallic gold material above entrances
Sign animation: Flashing Incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Located Downtown Las Vegas in the hearth of the Fremont Street Experience, across from Binion's and the Four Queens.
Sign manufacturer: AD-ART(1988)
Sign - date of installation: 1988
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 1980's Steve Wynn remodeled from the YESCO Kermit Wayne 1961 design to the current facade is installed between 1984-87
Sign - thematic influences: The Gold coloring in the lights and the metallic section of the sign above their entrance showcase their modern twist on their old theme.
Survey - research locations: Ad Art contact, Charles Banard's The Magic Sign, Neon Museum tour outline , Vintage Vegas Website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Golden+Nugget
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; LED; Neon; Steel; Flashing

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