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.

Jonathan “Jon” Sparer of Las Vegas, Nevada, is a retired architect who is active in the local Jewish and LGBTQ communities. He grew up on Long Island, New York, in the hamlet of Woodmere, where his father was an importer. After graduating in Architecture from Ohio State University in 1977 Jon moved to Los Angeles, California, where he worked first with architect Jack Chernoff, then with architect Bob Barnett until 1981, when he accompanied his future wife and college classmate who worked for Martin Stern to Las Vegas. Stern sent her to open a field office to supervise the reconstruction of the MGM Grand after it burned in November 1980. Once in Las Vegas, Jon began working for architect Homer Rissman on Steve Wynn’s future project, The Mirage. Although Jon switched firms, he continued working on The Mirage and other Wynn projects with Marnell Corrao, where he would stay until 2001. Ironically, Jon’s original supervisor at Marnell Corrao was his future husband, architect John R. Klai II; Klai’s subordinate in turn was Jon’s Spring Valley neighbor. After Jon left Marnell in 2001, he became a founding principal architect at YWS Design & Architecture. Although he has retired from full-time architecture, Jon has since designed the Temple for Congregation Ner Tamid (pictured above) and The Center (Las Vegas's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer community center). Jon remains active in the AIA Las Vegas Chapter as the incoming president as well as serving as a board member for Jewish Family Services Agency and The Center.

From the Homer Rissman Architectural Records (MS-00452). Written on the image: "Rissman and Rissman Associates 1011 Swarthmore Avenue Pacific Palisades California Gladstone 4-7519. Architects. Structural Engineer Harold L. Epstein 3324 Barham Blvd. Los Angeles, Calif. 90028 Hollywood 3-7121. Mechanical Engineer Ira Tepper & Associates 1147 So. Beverly Drive Los Angeles, Calif. 90035 Crestview 6-1736. Electrical Engineer J.L. Cusick & Associates 4219 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, Cal. 91602 Triangle 7-6231. 3-4-67 Date. Hotel Bonanza of Las Vegas U.S. Highway #91 Las Vegas, Nevada. Perspective view shop additins phase II. 1 drawing number". 

From the Homer Rissman Architectural Records (MS-00452). Written on the image: "Rissman and Rissman Associates 1011 Swarthmore Avenue Pacific Palisades California Gladstone 4-7519. Scale 1/3'-1'-0'. Architects. Structural Engineer Harold L. Epstein 3324 Barham Blvd. Los Angeles, Calif. 90028 Hollywood 3-7121. Mechanical Engineer Ira Tepper & Associates 1147 So. Beverly Drive Los Angeles, Calif. 90035 Crestview 6-1736. Electrical Engineer J.L. Cusick & Associates 4219 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, Cal. 91602 Triangle 7-6231. Elevation. 8 drawing number". 

Site Location: Highway 91 (Clark County, Nevada)

From the Homer Rissman Architectural Records (MS-00452). Written on the image: "Rissman and Rissman Associates 1011 Swarthmore Avenue Pacific Palisades California Gladstone 4-7519. 12-1-66 Date. Bonanza Casino Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada for Mr. Lawrence P. Wolf. Perspective. 1 drawing number". 
Site Location: Highway 91 (Clark County, Nevada)