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Daytime and nighttime views of the Grand Canyon Experience signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3791 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: M H & K Enterprises
Sign details: The Grand Canyon Experience is directly North of the MGM next to the GameWorks complex. Above the clear glass entrances to the outdoor scenic tour's facility is a large building front designed marquee design, as well as a smaller version over the entrance facing northwest.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 3 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The marquee reads Grand Canyon in yellow channel letters outlined in yellow neon, the insides are orange with orange neon in the middle. Experience is spelled in a cursive style orange channel letters with orange neon and incandescent bulbs on the interior. The two texts are supported on a steel framework of interconnecting steel pipes. The shape looks as if it is a bow pointed toward the ground. Two steel poles run vertically approximately 16 feet from the edge of the support system. They run toward the ground against the wall and stop to square i18" tall 10 inch deep, yellow, message box with a black surface. The neon whit von inside of the red channel letters reads "Shop Grand Avenue" in an all caps Arial style text. Two halogen lamps project off of the top of the sign and illuminate a three-dimensional sculpted caricature of a hiker. The entire structure is supported on the West wall of the building. The logo itself spans seventy-eight and a half feet at it's widest and is approximately twenty-three feet tall. Below the NW entrance to the establishment, a smaller version of the giant marquee sign sits above the door. Aluminum channel letters spell " Grand Canyon," with orange argon on the interiors. Below that sits a three-tiered back lit message panel. It forms a shape reminiscent of an upside down step pyramid. The top section actually contains yellow argon in nine-inch cursive text spelling experience. The three stepped cabinet is of a polished aluminum. The text sits on sheet metal raceways.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Fiberglass; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: 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 Grand Canyon Experience is a rather large sign but is dwarfed by the immense MGM pylon just to the south of it. It is accented by faux rock serving as door jambs for the actual entrances.
Sign manufacturer: Mikohn Lighting and Sign
Sign - date of installation: 2000- 08
Sign - thematic influences: The actual theme of the sign is correspondent to that of the business, which the sign advertises. The text does not appear to be associated with any particular theme, but hold a style complimentary to each other. An element of theming is still evident with the faux rock facade, and the sculpted figure on top of the sign.
Sign - artistic significance: If not significant for simply combining different elements to create a completely self-contained sign, it fits into the movement in Las Vegas's history, which is geared more toward the family. The cartoon-like representation of a hiker, the fake rocks, the bright colors, and location in a strip mall, which centered on such establishments as Gameworks and M&M World, all point to the conclusion that families are welcome.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Fiberglass; Plastic; Paint

The famed Vegas Vickie sign advertising the now permanently closed Girls of Glitter Gulch adult entertainment club sits at 20 Fremont Street at the Fremont Street Experience. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survery Data Sheet.
Site address: 20 Fremont St
Sign owner: Derek and Greg Stevens
Sign details: Glitter Gulch is next to the Golden Goose. This now closed property has a long history in Las Vegas. In 1959, the Fortune Club was where the Glitter Gulch would soon replace it. For the history of the Golden Goose: Herb Pastor bought the Mecca Club from Sylvia Sioratta in 1974 then opened up the Golden Goose soon after. Mr. Reed's was the property that sat next to the Golden Goose at this time; however, that then became Bob Stupak's Glitter in 1980. In 1981, Pastor ended up buying the Glitter Gulch. In 1991, Pastor merged both of these properties into a strip club. Both of these properties ultimate closed in the summer of 2016. The signage was taken down in 2017.
Sign condition: Vegas Vickie has been taken down and half the Glitter Gulch sign was also taken down.
Sign form: Blade and sculptural sign
Sign-specific description: Perched atop the signage for the Glitter Gulch is Las Vegas favorite girl, Vegas Vickie. She is dressed up in cowgirl attire and kicking her leg out onto Fremont Street. She is painted so you can see all her details in the day and she is a channeled sign lined with neon tubes that matches her paint so you can see her at night as well. She sits on top of a very geometric piece of gold (like a golden nugget) that shines brightly and dotted with incandescent light bulbs. The "Glitter Gulch" letters are open channeled, lined with neon tubes that glow red at night, and filled with neon tubes that glow blue at night and oscillate as well. During the day these letters are a bold white font and instead of a dot for the "I" it is a four point star. Underneath the golden nugget like structure of the sign is a bunch of silver coins lined with neon tubes.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent, back lit
Sign - media: Steel, plastic, fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Fiberglass and back lit plastic
Sign animation: Neon in Glitter Gulch text oscillates
Sign environment: These signs sit in the midst of the excitement on Fremont Street Experience. Some of the other properties that sit near them are Binion's, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, and the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Sign manufacturer: Ad Art
Sign designer: Jack Dubois and Charles Barnard of Ad Art
Sign - date of installation: 1980
Sign - date of redesign/move: Vegas Vickie was taken down in 2017 for restoration and may return back to Fremont after.
Sign - thematic influences: Both of the Glitter Gulch and Golden Goose signs are extremely iconic signs in Las Vegas history and combine elements that are typically used in signage throughout the city, such as: sculptural signage and signs that have a dominant theme for the property. Vegas Vickie being a part of the signage for the Glitter Gulch also gives some indication that this property is a gentleman's club. They are elaborately designed to draw people's attention to these businesses, which many other signs throughout the city aim to do as well.
Sign - artistic significance: These signs are significant because the design of them is elaborate and they are excellent examples of signs that use sculpture/image to help convey the theme of the property. They are also crafted in such an excellent manner and filled with numerous details.
Survey - research locations: Fox news website http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/31783315/d-las-vegas-owner-buys-3-more-fremont-properties , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/glitter+gulch, Review Journal Article https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/mermaids-la-bayou-and-glitter-gulch-come-to-a-close-on-fremont-photos/
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-17
Sign keywords: Blade; Sculptural; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Plastic; Oscillating; Steel

The Travelers Motel sign sits at 1100 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1100 Fremont St
Sign details: This location was constructed in 1926. Though the year of when the Traveler's Motel opened in unknown though its sign states, "Your Best Bet In Las Vegas Since 1936'. Though Vintage Las Vegas' blog states that the Traveler's Motel acquired some of their land from the Lucky Motel. Currently the Traveler's Motel is closed and gated up.
Sign condition: 3, the sign is fairly in condition. However, the sign does not light up at night. The sign that used to read "Traveler's Motel" that was affixed to the iron gate-like structure appears to have the majority of its sign taken down or destroyed in recent times.
Sign form: Blade Pole sign and Porte Cochere
Sign-specific description: This sign is attached to the building that belongs to and extends outward to Fremont Street. The lower portion of this sign has the same details on each side of the sign. The top portion of this sign is a trapezoid with "Traveler's" painted on it in a cursive text except for the "t." This is done in white on a rust colored background. Neon is also affixed to "Traveler's." Underneath this is a plastic back lit sign detail the various accommodations of the property, such as: phone, cable T.V., microwave, refrigerators, "totally remodeled rooms," "daily * weekly rental," and "Your Best Bet In Las Vegas Since 1936." Under this is another, smaller trapezoid that has the street address painted on it in bold white numbers with a rust background. Extending from the top portion of this sign is a rust colored pole that has five other poles with various lengths extending out from that towards Fremont Street. Attached to these poles are letters that spell out "MOTEL," the top supports the "M" and each pole following hold each of the others letters to spell out the word. Each of these are diamond shaped plastic, possibly back lit signs. The plastic is off-white and each of the letters is black. The marquee sign attached to the iron gate-like structure that connects one side of the building to the next. This sign is a long, rectangular back lit sign that has a white background and bold red text reading "Traveler's Motel. " This sign also was attached to an longer, yellow rectangle with rounded sided on the left and right side of the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon, possibly back lit (sign doesn't light up any more)
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign animation: The sign is no longer in use; therefore, it is difficult to determine this. There is also no record of the sign having any animation.
Sign environment: This property resides in the area east of the Fremont East District with many new businesses surrounding it, such as: PublicUs, the Bunkhouse Saloon, Chow, The Writer's Block, and 11th Street Records. However, there are quite a few other closed Motel properties that reside near the Traveler's Motel as well.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign is extremely reminiscent of many of the signs from the 50's and 60's that belong to the other motels in the downtown area. The sign has many geometric elements to it that make it appear that it could be from this time period.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign does not have a specific theme to it. However, the plastic figure climbing on the sign stresses that this motel would be for those who do enjoy traveling and adventures. This sign does follow a very basic trend regarding motel signs on Fremont Street. It is attractive and very noticeable to those moving along Fremont Street. The overall design of the sign is very geometric, which is a common aesthetic among signs made in the 50's and 60's.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page and Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Traveler+Motel
Survey - research notes: It was difficult to find any history or old photographs of this property.
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-18
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Plastic; Backlit; Pole sign

Monterey Motel sits against a cloudy sky at 1133 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1133 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Monterey Motel Corp.
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1944 (Assessor). The business opened as the Monterey Lodge Motel (RoadsideArchitecture). A vintage postcard from 1954 shows The Monterrey Lodge Motel with much of the current architecture, although a different sign is present (Las Vegas motels then and now). The motel advertises itself as endorsed by several automobile clubs, including the Automobile Association of America (AAA).
Sign condition: Condition is 4, good. The cabinets, light boxes and neon are intact and in good condition. The paint shows slight fading and no flaking or peeling, except for light to moderate deterioration and rust on the bottom of the lower cabinet.
Sign form: Double pole sign
Sign-specific description: Double poles painted in bands of pink topped by bands of white support a rectangular reader board with a pink metal cabinet. Plastic pink sans serif letters spell out "FAMILY UNITS" on the face of the readerboard. On the lower motel side of the readerboard is a rectangular black plastic sign which states, "COLOR TV by RCA" in multi-colored san serif letters. At the top of the cabinet on the motel side is an arrow pointing toward the business. At the top of the north face of the cabinet is white coated skeleton neon tubing which states, "ENTER NO VACANCY" in sans serif letters. On the south face of the cabinet the lettering is reversed to say, "NO VACANCY ENTER". Mounted above the readerboard are three poles. The two outside poles are painted white and consist of round pedestals, shafts and capitals. The capitals are outlined in white skeleton neon. The rectangular interior pole is painted pink. A pink, rectangular bar (from an asterisk now covered by plastic wrap advertising) intersects the middle of all three poles. A rectangular shield shaped metal cabinet painted pink sits on the poles above the readerboard. White sans serif letters outlined in black paint and clear skeleton neon spell out "MOTEL". The three poles continue out of the cabinet to support a second pink metal readerboard which features "Monterey" spelled in plastic cursive letters. The three poles extend above the second reader board where they join to make an arch. The two outside poles are outlined in white skeleton neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Reader boards
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader boards
Sign environment: This is located on Las Vegas Boulevard South just north of the strip.
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1950's-1960's (RoadsideArchitecture)
Sign - date of redesign/move: A 2009 photograph shows the sign painted blue (Virus, 2009). Flaking paint under the "COLOR TV by RCA" sign shows an older layer of blue paint. A sign of similar age in the parking lot of the motel is still painted the same light blue shown in the photograph.
Sign - thematic influences: There is a Googie star on the sign as well as an arch which was a popular 1950's/60's sign design. Also they advertise automobile clubs on their sign and have a western ranch style building which are also Mid-Century Modern trends as well.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign showcases Googie, Western and motor court artistic aspects.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor, Parcel No. 162-03-112-034. Retrieved from http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/PropertyRecords.aspx?H=redrock&P=assrrealprop/pcl.aspx Las Vegas motels then and now. (n.d.) Monterey Lodge - 1133 South Las Vegas Blvd. Retrieved from http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html RoadsideArchitecture. (n.d.). Monterey Motel. Retrieved from http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html Virus, R. (2009 April 5). Monterey Motel, Las Vegas, NV. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/25229906@N00/5769946413/in/photostream/
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-04
Sign keywords: Steel; Plastic; Reader board; Neon; Pole sign; Back to back; Backlit

The Gateway Motel sign sits in early evening light at the northeast corner at 928 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet
Site address: 928 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Vinod Soni and Gateway Motel Inc
Sign details: The Gateway Motel dates back to early 1930's and could be considered one of the earliest motels to pop up in Las Vegas. Before the name changed to Gateway Motel it was named as the Gateway Auto Court circa 1930-1946 it was known as the Gateway Auto Court. The first sign was built circa 1930's and their new remodeled sign which is still in use today was built circa 1950's. The 1950's sign was originally painted darker colors and had a larger graphic of a gate. The original 1930's sign has the streamline modern influence that was prominent in 1930's and 40's. The sign itself is a pole sign with a square structure at the top. The font Auto-Court is in pure neon with that fire-red hue; the font is placed in the middle to stand out the most. The word Gateway is on top of Auto-Court in black with black streamline lines surrounding the word. Underneath is a small wooden board hanging probably stating no vacancy. The background color of the square structure is in pure white and the pole is chrome.
Sign condition: The condition of the sign is a 3.5. Some of the neon is not working when it's turned on at night. The paint has some sun/UV damage since it looks faded. The reader board has a stained effect from sun damage.
Sign form: Pylon with three separate signs converged into one.
Sign-specific description: The sign is made out of glass, steel, plastic, and concrete. The color palette is light blue, white and a cream white. The sign is designed in separate sections. The white cream based portion is situated at the top with a gate and bridge illustrative design in glass tubes and neon. The gate itself lights up yellow with red on the side. The font Gateway is larger than the gate and is in the color white when lit up. Underneath the Gateway word is a subliminal directional arrow pointing towards the motel buildings This section is in the color sky blue with the word motel in massive white letters. Underneath the directional arrow is the reader board surrounded by the steel light blue border. The reader board states Free Wi-Fi and HBO. Underneath in the left corner is a small light blue board that states "no vacancy" in neon. These three separate signs are all connected like blocks with a concrete pillar structure holding up the sign. During the evening, the light blue paint is not shown and is just pure black with the neon illuminating the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon and plastic back lit sign
Sign - media: Steel, plastic and concrete
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign environment: This location is on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Charleston. This is right next to the original Dona Maria Tamales restaurant.
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1950's
Sign - date of redesign/move: From a 1930's streamline modern sign to a 1950's Mid-Century modern architectural roadside motel sign.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign is influenced by Mid-Century Modern roadside architecture, with the directional arrow as a staple in many motel roadside designs of the 1950's and 60's to accommodate the car consumer era.
Sign - artistic significance: One main trends of the 1950's designs with neon signs is using illustrative motifs with the inclusion of directional arrows to lend to the highway travelers an idea of where the property is located. To make sure these travelers don't miss the establishment in an empty road.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Roadside Architecture Website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html , Neon Museum book Spectacular, Vintage Las Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Gateway+Motel
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Concrete; Roadside; Reader board; Back to back

The sign for The Griffin sits at 511 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 511 Fremont St
Sign owner: Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh
Sign details: Opened in February of 2007 as a medieval British pub/ tavern style bar. This location brought on a wave of revitalization of the East Fremont District especially since many new bars/restaurants started to open in this area after this bar did.
Sign condition: 5- still looks relatively new
Sign form: Blade and overlay neon on building
Sign-specific description: Placed above the entrance their brick building the letters The Griffin Cocktails is painted with white block letters outlined with black paint is painted on the building itself. These letters have skeletal neon surrounding the letters. The Griffin letters are yellow tubes and do illuminate green at night, the word cocktails lights up white. To the left of the entrance but still on the building is a green painted griffin drinking a painted white martini ( also all outlined with black paint) The neon tubing outlining the griffin is a yellow tubing but glows green at night ( possibly argon inserted to make it glow green). The Blade is placed a little left of the entrance and hangs off of the building by two blue steel beams, but in between the beams is a beautiful swirl design. At the top of the Blade there is a green griffin sipping a martini (same design as the one painted on the building). At the base of the griffin is white THE letters painted with skeletal neon. Then below is the blue portion of the blade spelling out GRIFFIN in a Britannic looking font in white channeled letters which do illuminate white at night. This part of the blade is outlined in neon ,possibly argon, since it does illuminate blue at night. On the side of the blade ( if you're looking from the road) there are about 14 red curved neon tubes lining the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel and Brick Wall
Sign - non-neon treatments: Using the brick wall as a portion of the sign is a design not seen often in Vegas.
Sign animation: Oscillation of red neon tubes on the side of the sign.
Sign environment: Located in the Fremont East District in between Las Vegas Blvd. and 6th St. This location has The Vault to the East of it and The Smashed Pig Gastropub to the west. It is across the street from the Park and Evil Pie. In the middle of the street right in front of the Griffin Bar is the Martini Glass sign.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Owners Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh-Aaron stated that the blade portion of the sign was inspired by the old Boulder Club Blade sign
Sign - date of installation: Slightly before they opened so late 2006/early 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Griffin shows that it has a medieval and kind of fantasy kind of feel since its interior does have that cool medieval tavern vibe to it, especially with their fireplaces. Using their brick wall as a part of the sign is a cool innovative way to use their space and stay true to their theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Medieval theme. The blade is a prominent theme in the 50s/60s, though their blade sign was inspired by the Boulder Club (opened 1931-1960) blade.
Survey - research locations: Acessors page, outreach to owner Aaron Chepenik
Survey - research notes: Possible use of argon within their yellow painted tubes, similar to the Yucca Motel signs leaves.
Survey - other remarks: The Blade does look very similar to the Boulder Club blade, so its awesome to see modern properties paying homage to the ones that are no longer around.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-15
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Steel; Neon; Blade; Fascia; Building-front design

The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino signs sit at 1 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 1 Fremont St
Sign owner: Derek and Greg Stevens
Sign details: This location originally held the Hotel Nevada that opened in 1906. This location had the first phone that was installed in Las Vegas in 1907. The building dates back to 1935, but in 1990 Mark and Craig Italo restored the exterior of the building to reflect the original art deco look to the building. This property was named Sal Sagev (Las Vegas spelled backwards) before it changed to the Golden Gate in 1955. This location was made famous with their bargain shrimp cocktail. This location has exhibits near their check-in desk showcasing older casino memorabilia, old slot machines, as well as an old phone.
Sign condition: 5- still shines brightly and paint is holding up very well
Sign form: Blade and semi-decorated shed
Sign-specific description: Their blade sign is on the corner of Main and Fremont on the top of the blade is a spherical yellow light with two neon 3-D diagonal oval shapes beneath it the with the top one blue and the bottom one a fuchsia pink. The main portion of the blade is made up by sideways rusty colored squares spelling out "GOLDEN GATE" in block letters (one letter in each box) each containing flashing incandescent light bulbs. Beneath this is a rusty colored rectangular box that spells out "CASINO" in the interior with white neon letters with the box outlined in sparkling incandescent light bulbs. Underneath the rectangle is a rusty colored circle with white block letters spelling out "HOTEL" in neon, and underneath the words is a red skeletal neon outline of the Golden Gate Bridge. On the corner of the building right underneath the blade is is a rectangle sign with red neon spelling out "CASINO". There are chasing incandescent light bulbs surrounding the first second story of the building with the words "GOLDEN GATE" in channeled white neon letters that are outlined with blue neon and have sparkling incandescent light bulbs at night, and are both on the west and north side of the building. Also there are the words "RESTAURANT" as well as "CASINO" both in flashing incandescent light bulbs on both sides of the building as well. There are also LED lights that illuminate the building's windows at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent light bulbs and LED
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Incandescent light bulbs on signs and LED lights illuminating the building
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing
Notes: incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This location is on the corner of Main and Fremont which is the entrance to the Fremont Street Experience. There is also a concert stage in front of this property. Across the street would have been the Las Vegas Club, the Glitter Gulch and Mermaids; but have been demolished in recent times.
Sign - date of installation: 1964
Sign - date of redesign/move: When the sign was installed in 1964 the bottom circle of the blade stated "HOTEL SAL SAGEV" but now there is the Golden Gate bridge, so it must have switched when the Sal Sagev name was not affiliated with that location anymore.
Sign - artistic significance: This blade looks similar to the old Sal Sagev sign that was up on this building previous to this sign. The blade also was a prominent theme for signs in the 50's and 60's especially down on Fremont.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Tour outline, Golden Gate website for history http://www.goldengatecasino.com/history/#
Survey - research notes: http://www.goldengatecasino.com/history/# has a good timeline of the history of the casino as well as some good Vegas history notes as well.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-22
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Chasing; Flashing; Decorated shed; Steel; Pole sign