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Painting of Vegas Vic by Pat Denner, 1951

Date
1951
Description

Color watercolor or gouache painting of Vegas Vic for the Pioneer Club in Las Vegas, showing how the metal should be painted. The picture is signed 'Denner' by YESCO designer Pat Denner.
Site Name: Pioneer Club
Address: 25 East Fremont Street

Image

Film transparency of Fremont Street at night, Las Vegas, Nevada, July, 1949

Date
1949-05
Description
Fremont Street at night. Visible on the left side of the street are neon signs for the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall, Nugget Saloon, Frontier Club, The White Spot Cafe, Pioneer Club, The Monte Carlo Club, The Union Pacific sign (in the background, right of center). Visible on the right side of the street are neon signs for the Vegas Club, Hotel Apache, and the Eldorado Club. The Golden Nugget opened in 1946, and is the first structure designed from the ground up to be a casino. Steve Wynn became the majority shareholder in 1973, and built the first tower in 1977. In 1984, the neon was removed from the building and the spa tower was built, along with the showroom. The third tower was opened in 1989. The hotel now has 2,419 rooms and suites. The casino's large hotel sign at its entrance off Fremont and Casino Center was removed in 1984 when the casino underwent renovations. The old sign presently sits at the YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company) sign yard.

Image

Film transparency of Fremont Street at night, Las Vegas, Nevada, July, 1949

Date
1949-05
Description
Fremont Street at night. Visible on the left side of the street are neon signs for the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall, Nugget Saloon, Frontier Club, The White Spot Cafe, Pioneer Club, The Monte Carlo Club, The Union Pacific Railroad station sign (in the background, right of center). Visible on the right side of the street are neon signs for the Vegas Club, Hotel Apache, and the Eldorado Club. The Golden Nugget opened in 1946, and is the first structure designed from the ground up to be a casino. Steve Wynn became the majority shareholder in 1973, and built the first tower in 1977. In 1984, the neon was removed from the building and the spa tower was built, along with the showroom. The third tower was opened in 1989. The hotel now has 2,419 rooms and suites. The casino's large hotel sign at its entrance off Fremont and Casino Center was removed in 1984 when the casino underwent renovations. The old sign presently sits at the YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company) sign yard.

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

Date
2002
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the Fantasia gift shop on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2800 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Fantasia on the Strip is located north of the Circus Circus, among the smaller properties located the northern end of the Strip before Sahara Avenue. The building faces east, only separated from the street by a small parking lot, which runs along the front of the property. The two-story building is adorned with a building length message cabinet, and sculpted, patterned raceways. The sign extends north across a drive designating parking in the rear. A small pole sign also sits on the east edge of the property.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 4 Lighting 4 The Fantasia establishments signage looks decently weathered up close, for the colors and paint treatments are in good condition. The structure of the sign has a couple of anomalies that are apparent. The pole sign on the street side of the property has no face on the triangular portion of the surface. The far right hand side of the building fascia makes an uncomfortable transition into the support structure from the ground.
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The design is a building front, message cabinet running the length of the facade of the building, facing east. The white, steel, paneled front cabinet contains Blue and red plastic text. The larger fonts run the entire length of the sign and read "Souvenirs, T-shirts, Gifts, Indian Jewelry, Moccasins, Liquor," in an "old west" style text seen on properties such as the Frontier. This arrangement's color is blue. The bottom line of text is smaller and is broken up into three separate phrases and distributed evenly across the surface. The left side reads, " Jewelry, Belts, Hats, Cactus" in red cursive. The center is blue western font, reading "Las Vegas Souvenirs." The right hand side is red cursive again reading "Sundries, Food, Beer Wine, Ice." The bottom and top edges are lined with yellow raceways with incandescent bulbs. The top edge is created by a repeating series of raceway arches, matching the finish of the other edges. The top edge of repeating arches continues north past the edge of the cabinet onto a smaller, much thinner cabinet. The thinner cabinet looks as is if it is a continuation of the main sign with pieces cut out of it. The arches continue to the end of the extension and down connecting to a steel I-beam linked to the ground. The smaller plane reads "park in rear" in red, plastic, all capital, letters. Raceway arrows protrude through the bottom of the sign, pointing through the entrance it creates for traffic. The arrows are arranged on the bottom edge as if they are extensions of the imaginary points created by the meeting of the downward strokes two sides of two arches. Across the very top of the main banner, a narrow, red, steel cabinet reads the word "Fantasia" in white script. The script is surfaced with neon. Near the street, on the northern portion of the property, a pole sign holds an internally lit cabinet. The frame of the cabinet is a blue raceway whose western edge is fashioned into an arrow shape. White plastic comprises the face of the sign, which faces north south, and does not reach into the arrow section. It is a skeleton of a frame, with nothing in the middle. Translucent vinyl lettering is present on the face of the sign and reads "Liquor, Moccasins, Indian Jewelry 1/2 off," in all capital letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: The only animation present is the animation of the incandescent bulbs on all the raceways surrounding the signs. The bulbs chase each other from left to right.
Sign environment: The fueling station resides on the northern edge of the strip before Sahara Avenue. Directly to the east, across the street is the Sahara Hotel Casino, but is flanked by smaller non-resort related properties. Along with the other two properties to the north and to the south, they seem as functional aspects for tourists and patrons of the larger properties of the Circus Circus and the Sahara. Almost dwarfed by the two nearby giants the properties can easily go unnoticed without the treatment of the illumination.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: There is no real theme associated with the property other than being a typical Las Vegas strip shopping establishment. The unique array of raceways and chasing incandescent bulbs are reminiscent of the countless canvass of the same design technique seen all of the strip, yet retain a hint of originality with it's arched pattern. Another widely used element , present in the design, is the internally lit message center. These two simple elements are used in conjunction to create a unique display typical to the Las Vegas Strip. It fits into the context of the Las Vegas strip as one of the many gift shops, but stands out as one of the larger ones, with the most vibrant signage.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint

Mixed Content

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

Date
2002
2017-09-21
Description
Photos show Peppermill 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 address: 2985 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The Peppermill Inn Restaurant is located on the east side of Las Vegas Blvd, just north of the now defunct Silver City Casino. The actual establishment faces west toward the strip, separated from the traffic by the front parking lot. The lowrise brown clad establishment, boasts three specific pieces of signage on the exterior structure. In the parking lot near Las Vegas Blvd, a small two-sided, ground level cabinet, mirrors the aesthetics of the actual structure. Upon the west side of the building, the shingled roofline boasts channel letters filled with neon, as well as a more secluded sign on the north side of the building, toward the rear.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 3 Lighting 3 The condition of the three different pieces of signage are all in different states of repair.
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The pylon sign, which sits near the street, is a miniature representation of the facade of the Peppermill establishment. Two square legs, constructed of mortared pieces of stone support the two-sided cabinet. The horizontal, rectangular cabinet sits on the pole, and faces north/south. The top edge of the sign is reminiscent of a roofline, with a low rise a-frame design. The grade is very little but exaggerated by the rectangular element rising off of the top edge covered in brown wooden shingles, which also cover the top edge's surface. The effect of the top's finishing is the resemblance of the roof of the Peppermill restaurant. Just below the peak of the "roof-like" element on the surface of the sign, a rectangular metal plate possesses text. The text is stamped out of the metal to reveal recessed negative spaces of fonts. An orange transparent material resides behind the plate, providing the hue for the internally lit apparatus. The text reads "24 Hours" in all capitals. Below the small rectangle, larger, white text runs the length of the sign. The internally lit, closed face, channel letters are in all capitals. In smaller text, along the bottom portion of the face the phrase "Coffee Shop & Lounge," runs the length of the text. The letters are orange, closed faced, internally lit. The actual structure of the restaurant, further east on the property is the model for the previously mentioned sign. The low-rise pitched roofline of the facility concludes at a lowrise rectangular cap. Along the western edge the roofs overhang, large white channel letters lined on the interior with pink neon spell "Peppermill" in all capital letters. Following the brown shingled roofline around the south side of the building, a third sign, not seen by the general public, faces south. A steel cabinet is the two-dimensional representation of both the outer pylon sign as well as the structure itself. A rust colored brown cabinet houses a dork brown steel face, with plastic letters for the advertising of the establishment. "Peppermill" is spelled in all capital letters. Below the top text a two lined, series of orange all capital text spells "Restaurant Lounge." It is apparent that wooden shingles were evident on the top the top edge of the cabinet which rises in the pitched front geometric shape seen on the pylon in the front and the architectural element in the structures center. Underneath the primary cabinet a smaller, horizontal, rectangular cabinet, sits centered underneath the It too is a rust colored brown cabinet, with a dark brown face. Text, as tall as the cabinet spells, "Open 24HRS" in orange plastic all capital letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Masonry
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text, which resides on the southern wall and reads "Casino," is filled with incandescent bulbs that all illuminate at the same time, and oscillate. They then shut off at the same time, and then repeat. The raceways of incandescent bulbs chase each other while the neon, which surrounds the back lit, plastic, screens on this wall flash on then off. The bottom two raceways sandwiching the reflective panel chase from left to right, while the remainder of the raceways surrounding the signs, run right to left. The incandescent bulbs on the pylon chase each other gracefully up the length of the pylon. The animation is patterned so as to appear as if a section of several bulbs are pulsing its way up the towers, hugging the edge of the bulbous tops. The raceways continue around the east face of the building. The umbrellas in the plaza behind the pylon, also are animated with incandescent bulbs chasing each other downward along the raceways.
Sign environment: The area surrounding the Peppermill contains several interesting properties making the entire area sort of a cove of history. Just to the north the deteriorating, and closed Silver City stands testament to the wave of constant change present on the strip. It is a reminder of the historical significance of the Peppermill and the fact that someday it might not be present at this location any more.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: What is evident of the Peppermill theme works around the exterior appearance, and around the name itself. The brown wooden exterior, use of wooden shingles as adornments, and the major color palette all suggest the rustic, if not old west referenced, aesthetic.
Sign - artistic significance: This has become a statement of the "old Vegas" of the 1970s.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Masonry; Paint; Graphics

Mixed Content

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

Date
2002
Description
Views of the Algiers Hotel signs at dusk on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Souther Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Algiers Hotel (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2845 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Larry Kiefer
Sign details: Located on the NE corner of Riviera Blvd and Las Vegas Blvd The facade of the Algiers building itself is comprised of storefronts, while the hotel portion lies through an archway, behind the facade. The entire stucco front is illuminated and treated with neon borders and font. Across the narrow parking lot stands the Algiers pylon sign, along Las Vegas Blvd
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 3 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The façade and pylon/pole sign work together to create the attraction of the Algiers. The pole sign is double backed sign with neon marquee logo at the top and an internally lit, white, plastic front, message board with vinyl lettering. The top section of the message board is a rear lit, plastic, graphically treated sign, while the bottom of the board is an electronic message center. Crowning the very top of the structure is a sculpted crown-shape comprised of the polished brass raceways, which also adorn the top and lower portions of the pylon. These raceways contain 11 watt white incandescent bulbs which chase each other from top to bottom. The Algiers logo is channel lettering with double neon of the rose colored variety. The word "Hotel" is spelled in ruby neon. The façade of the building is comprised of five different sections. The first contains the Algiers logo in channel letters filled with blinking incandescent bulbs and outlined in ruby neon. Texts " Hotel, Restroom, Video poker, pool and entrance," are spelled in rose colored neon. The next four sections are storefronts with neon borders in their windows. Each section is separated by a section of vertical, polished, gold raceways with chasing animated bulbs. The backlit graphically treated storefront marquees adorned with an incandescent bulb border. The last section of the building supports a metal sign box with double neon letters spelling "Algiers". Above each section, the storefront crowns to a point, reminiscent of a classic Persian gateway or spire. Each swooping section is bordered with vibrant neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text, which resides on the southern wall and reads "Casino," is filled with incandescent bulbs that all illuminate at the same time, and oscillate. They then shut off at the same time, and then repeat. The raceways of incandescent bulbs chase each other while the neon, which surrounds the back lit, plastic, screens on this wall flash on then off. The bottom two raceways sandwiching the reflective panel chase from left to right, while the remainder of the raceways surrounding the signs, run right to left. The incandescent bulbs on the pylon chase each other gracefully up the length of the pylon. The animation is patterned so as to appear as if a section of several bulbs are pulsing its way up the towers, hugging the edge of the bulbous tops. The raceways continue around the east face of the building. The umbrellas in the plaza behind the pylon, also are animated with incandescent bulbs chasing each other downward along the raceways.
Sign environment: The Algiers is settled across the street from the Circus Circus and shares the lot with the Candlelight Wedding Chapel.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 1953
Sign - date of redesign/move: Refinished in 1992 by Larsen Sign
Sign - thematic influences: The Algiers is an Arabian nights/Persian theme, mixed with the vestiges of classic Vegas aesthetics, such as the polished, gold, animated raceways, the roadside pole sign design, the text, and the similarity to the classic desert paradise theme of the 50's through today. Examples of this classic style are the Sands, the Dunes, the Aladdin, and the Sahara.
Sign - artistic significance: As mentioned above it is a representation of an era in Vegas and the thematic influence of the desert themed establishment.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Chasing; Pylon; Fascia; Incandescent; Neon; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint; Pole sign

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Photographs of Las Vegas Club signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 24, 2016

Date
2016-06-24 to 2017-09-02
Description
The permanently closed Las Vegas Club Casino sits at 18 Fremont Street at the Fremont Street Experience. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survery Data Sheet.
Site name: Las Vegas Club (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 18 Fremont St
Sign owner: Las Vegas Club
Sign details: The Las Vegas Club originally opened on the opposite side of Fremont than it is today in the 1930's. It held one of the first few Neon signs on Fremont which was installed around ca.1930. In 1949 the Las Vegas Club reopened in its new location on Main and Fremont Street, and once held a large Baseball Hall of Fame. It has closed down in 2015 and demolition of the building began in 2017.
Sign condition: 4- Signage was working well and still had bright paint before the building had undergone demolition
Sign form: Pylon and architectural
Sign-specific description: They convey sports themes throughout their signs. There was a bronze-type sculptural baseball player. Large Neon and incandescent sign that wrapped around the whole building. Though above each entrance there is a plain graphic lettering with neon surrounding the letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel and bronze-type material (baseball player)
Sign - non-neon treatments: Sculptural element and incandescent
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent
Sign environment: This location is on the north corner of Main and Fremont St. It is just north of the Golden Gate and across the street from the Plaza. It also had the Golden Goose, Glitter Gulch and Mermaids to the East of it.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Brian "Buzz" Lemming
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1960's
Sign - thematic influences: They convey sports/baseball themes within their signage which showcases the theme of their Baseball Hall of Fame.
Survey - research locations: Neon Museum Tour Hand book, Vintage Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Las+Vegas+Club Images, Charles Barnard The Magic Sign.
Survey - research notes: The original Las Vegas Club in the 1930's had the tallest tallest sign in downtown Las Vegas until it was superseded by the Lucky Casino sign about a decade later.
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-02
Sign keywords: Architectural; Steel; Sculptural; Incandescent; Flashing; Neon; Bullnose

Mixed Content

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

Date
2002
Description
Photos show Battista's 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 address: 4041 Audrie St
Sign details: Battista's "hole in the wall" Italian restaurant is located in a small shopping mall on the corner of Audrie and Flamingo, just east of the strip. The actual establishment of Battista's faces east in the northwest corner of the shopping center. The pylon sign sits on the northwest corner of FlamingoRd and Audrie st., the entrance to the building is also adorned with neon signs as well. On the extreme north end of the property a pole sign for a general store also shares signage with Battista's.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The pylon sign for Battista's is on the corner of Flamingo and Audrie, on the wet side of Audrie. It is a double- backed roadside pole sign with two cabinets, and an LED message center. The sign is a host of visual candy, laden with neon and incandescent bulbs. The upper portion of the sign is comprised of the larger cabinet, below that the LED message-center, then below that the smaller cabinet makes up the bottom of the sign. The top cabinet has sculpted edges created bulging edges as well as a round top. The two corners are stepped. The bottom of the sign is a flat horizontal edge. The surface of the sign is painted red. The majority of the sign's face is occupied by channel letters spelling "Battista's Italian Restaurant," in channel letters with red neon borders. Below that "Lounge," and then "Banquets" is spelled one on top of each other in yellow channel letters. Yellow neon in on the interior of the channels. Two tubes of green neon extend horizontally from each side of this text. On the far left and right-hand sides of the cabinet, green neon scrollwork adorn the space between the main text and the edge of the cabinet. Spelled in small painted letters above the main text, resides the phrase "hole in the wall. Yellow neon tubes spell the same text, hovering over the graphics. In the remaining space above this text and the top edge, purple and green neon are sculpted to appear as a bunch of grapes and their vines. The entire sign is bordered in gold polished raceways with incandescent bulbs. Below the main section of the cabinet is a tri-colored LED message center, running scrolling messages about the restaurant in red, white, and green, which are the colors of the Italian flag. The smaller cabinet below the message center has sculpted edges also, with the top edge being straight along the length of the message center. It is painted green. General store is spelled across the top of the sign in white channel letters with white neon on the interior. Graphically painted in red, below the white text, the words "groceries, beer wine, souvenirs, and slots" are overlayed with red neon. In the remaining space on the bottom of the cabinet a small logo for "Coors Light," is graphically painted and overlayed with corresponding neon. To the left and right of that two arrows point toward the property, painted in red then overlayed with red neon. Over the entrance to the building, a wooden A-frame shaped structure forms a cover over the main entrance to the restaurant. In an arched pattern on the wooden face of this awning, "Battista's" is spelled it it's specific text in channel lettering, filled with neon. Below that in green channel letters, in the same arched pattern, spell hole in the wall, and has green neon in the interior. On other side of the dual arched text two, channel designed scrollwork pieces are illuminated with yellow neon. On the far north end of the lot a pole sign is designated next to the general store that the main pylon advertises. The top of the sign is an internally lit cabinet with graphic treatments for the general store. Incandescent bulbs line the edge of the cabinet. Further down the pole a small back-lit, horizontal, rectangular cabinet advertises for the Battista's establishment. Below that a square, internally lit cabinet, has red and green graphical treatments reading "Fine Italian Cuisine." The last bit of signage on the pole is a small, internally lit cabinet, flag poled off of the east end of the pole with red neon spelling, "groceries 24 hrs." On the North side of the building another sign for Battista's is present.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Matrix; Backlit; LED
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: The raceways which run around the border of the surface of the sign, chase each other from right to left. The incandescent bulbs which surround the internally lit cabinet on the pole sign designated for the convenience store also chase each other.
Sign environment: The Battista's pylon share unique company when it comes to it's environment. East across Audrie, is the Bourbon Street Hotel Casino, while the extensive Bally's property resides south across Flamingo Dr. The small shopping center proves a break in the action of casino hotels. The pylon stands as a prominent figure on the corner of the lot. Just to the west of the pylon, on the same side of the street, is the original Flamingo pylon, preceding the Barbary Coast. If you continue north on Audrie, the Flamingo Hilton may be assessed through a drive to the west.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the facility centers around the theme of an Italian restaurant. The pylon's colors, and matrix message center are all in accordance with colors of the Italian flag, as well as the signage above the door. The graphics, and neon representations of grapes on the pylon reference the afore mentioned theme. The entrance to the facility is the A-framed roof-like structure wood structure, referencing a rustic cottage or facility. This is significant in the name "Hole in the wall," which the facility boasts.
Sign - artistic significance: The significance of the Battista's establishment fits in with other facilities on the Strip such as The Rosewood Grill, Alan Albert's, and the Peppermill. Considering that most dining establishments are located on the interior of the properties, these stand as excellent quality, intimate restaurants seen by and available to the pedestrian public. Like the everyday establishments dressed to fit in the Las Vegas Strip such as the neighboring Walgreens, Alan Albert's is a non-casino dressed up to fit in with the local surroundings. It is also unique in the fact that the establishment which dominates the space which it resides. Unlike Alan Albert's which is tucked down a narrow alley, it is spoken out loudly with a pylon sign, another pole sign and a wall sign as well. Both pole signs are reminiscent of old roadside motel signs.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Fascia; Pylon; Neon; Matrix; Backlit; LED; Steel; Paint; Graphics

Mixed Content

Photographs of Blue Note signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002

Date
2002
Description
Views of the Blue Note club signs on the Las Vegas Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Blue Note International: Father & Son team of Danny and Steven Bensusan
Sign details: The Blue Note is located a short distance east, down Harmon Ave., on the north side of the street, facing south. It is part of the Aladdin Hotel Casino. A vacant lot resides on the corner, and is the only thing that separates the Blue Note from the Strip. Signage for the property includes two logo wall signs on the west wall of the building, a vertical blade sign and an entrance sign over the main port to the establishment.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: Just east off of Las Vegas Blvd, down Harmon Ave, lies the entrance to the "Blue Note: Jazz Capital of the World." The Blue Note is actually part of the Aladdin property, residing in the eastern most wing of the building, on the south side of Harmon. The majority of the signage hangs on the front of the building, which faces south toward Harmon Ave., with additional signage on the west face of the structure that extends from the Aladdin property. A vacant lot on the north east corner separates the Blue Note from the rest of the strip. The structure of the building and the design of the signage are juxtaposed with the building still being finished in a Persian Palace theme. While the signs are reminiscent of roaring twenties style font and theatre front design. Several different types of signs adorn the Blue Note. Two wall /logo signs hang on the west side of the building, while a sculpted entrance marquee, a hanging logo sign, and a vertical blade sign hung on the south side of the building. The west wall logo sign is composed of blue channel letters spelling the text " Blue Note," separated by a circular cabinet with a tube of neon bent to emulate the shape of a musical note placed in the middle. Five steel bars just out from either side of the cabinet. Below the text, a white steel cabinet with rounded ends, support a thin set of blue channel letters reading, "Jazz capital of the world." Further to the right a set of pink channel letters rest upon the upper portion of the corner of the structure. The letters are filled with pink neon. Along the South face of the building the first sign, hung in close proximity to the southwest corner, a vertical blade sign sits on a radius base of shaped molding jutting out of the wall. The actual body of the sign is a double backed cabinet finished in polished aluminum, with blue pin striping along the edges as well as along the rounded edge of the top. Near the top of the sign, the same rounded cabinet seen on the west wall of the structure, is integrated into the blade facing east/west. The cabinet is thicker in width to compensate for the width of the actual sign. The edges of the steel structure are painted in the same blue tone. The afore mentioned blue neon tubing fashioned into the shape of the note resides in this cabinet also. Along the east/west sides of the sign the text "The Blue Note," runs vertically from top to bottom, in blue channel letters only interrupted by the circular cabinet. The panel, which the text resides is painted white. Along the edge of the blade, which faces south, the text "Blue Note" is spelled vertically in blue channel letters. Sitting along the edge of the base, which the sign sits on, thin red channel letters stand almost independently, wrapping around the radius of the base. Starting on the west side of the sign and finishing on the east side, the text reads "Club & Cafe." These letters are filled with tubes of red neon. The letters are attached to a backing radius band of metal appearing to be gold. Further down the face of the building the main entrance to the building plays host to an overhead marquee/logo sign incorporating sculptural elements as well. Directly in the center of the composition, a long horizontal cabinet plays host to the red channel letters filed with red neon, reading, "World's Finest Jazz Club." Sitting on the top edge of the cabinet the same configuration of the Blue Note logo sign along with the circular cabinet, rests in front a sculpted piece of black steel. This piece of black painted steel is cut to appear as if it is the open top to a piano. Along the interior edge of the lid tubes of blue neon form a blue border. Between the piano top and the Blue Note logo, a horizontal steel grate serves as a divider as well as support for the blue channel letters. This entire section sits on a long horizontal ledge composed of a long polished steel section with a long LED message center just below that. Slightly recessed below the message center another width of overhang constructed of steel is painted to appear as if it is made of piano keys. Along the wall, just above the door, the pink channel letters read "Insomnia" with pink neon on the interior.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel; Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign environment: Situated just east off the strip, down Harmon Avenue, the Blue Note is the only attraction in its immediate area. Even though it is part of the Aladdin complex, the closest property is the Harley Davidson Cafe on the south east corner of Harmon and Las Vegas Blvd At night, the property loses its Arabian Nights architecture emitting a sultry glow of neon. It is hard to miss, if a pedestrian peers down the street while traveling north or south, on the east side of the strip. During the day, the architecture helps to blend in the property to appear as it is, part of the Aladdin.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 2000
Sign - thematic influences: The building itself is part of the actual Aladdin property, so the faced of the structure is themed in the manner of an ancient Persian city. It is an interesting juxtaposition for the sleek, modern finish and colors of the signage, with the organic facade of domed towers and stone facade. The Blue note signage is themed around the subject of music, specifically Jazz and Blues music. The blue hue of the neon, and the cabinet containing the crafted musical note are all evidence of this. The blade sign is thematically influenced by marquee building signs for theaters and music clubs from the first part of the century, specifically the forties and fifties. Such examples that utilized a similar designed blade sign were properties from the 1930's 40's and 50's such as The Boulder Club, The Pioneer Club, and the Las Vegas Club.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Fascia; Neon; Steel; Fiberglass; Paint

Mixed Content