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Photographs of Caesars Palace signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Photos show Caesars signs during the day and the porte-cochere 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: Caesars Palace (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3200 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Park Place Entertainment
Sign details: Caesars Palace is located between the Flamingo Rd. on the western side of Las Vegas Blvd Caesars has grown over the years since it's opening, but remains the true to its classic form. Signage for the resort is limited compared to some but consists of significant pieces of signage such as two large pylon signs, a rotating sign for Planet Hollywood, building signage consisting of logo text, as well as a porte-cochere. The property itself is an over abundance of classic design form after another, mixed among modern amenities like an Omnimax theatre. Caesars Palace is a permanent icon in Las Vegas Imagery and folklore.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: The YESCO pylon is located at the northern side of the property and is constructed of black painted steel and centers around a base of four columns aligned in a row. The sign faces north/south. The four columns rise out of the ground about six feet in the air before a long horizontal, gold bordered, rounded end cabinet, that reads and points to free covered parking. The text is graphically applied and internally lit. The cabinet is lit from the backside with neon, creating a halo behind the sign. The columns continue upward until they are met with the triangular cabinet, pointing east, with the two faces, being occupied a color LED message center. The interior edge of the face of the sign is bordered with green neon. Above the visible top edge of the wedge shaped message boards, the Caesar's Palace logo if illuminated in red neon upon a rectangular section created out of two entablatures, stacked on top of each other. The top entablature reads "Caesars" in red letters and "Palace" in the second row The two are capped with pediment lined on the interior edge with gold neon and a back-lit Caesar's logo. The exterior of the cabinet is polished aluminum, with metal channel letters. The original pylon built much earlier, utilized six-column shafts capped with golden statuary, secured to a large concrete base. When facing the columns, facing north, or south, the majority of the view of the vertical pieces is taken up by the giant internally lit message center, with removable lettering. The outer edge is crafted the same as the face of the other pylon, but it is bordered in pink neon. The four center columns supports an entablature supporting the logo text, and above that a pediment rounds out the classic architectural combination. The top half of the pediment is larger and supports the text "Caesars," while the lower, narrower section reads "Palace". The entire pediment is striped horizontally with bands of aqua neon that creates a field for the text. The text is in the stylized roman text, in channel letters, and lined with red neon. One of the most attractive pieces of signage is the Caesars porte-cochere. The famous fountains lead up to the main entrance, which is shadowed by the massive porte-cochere, which is one of the few remaining on the strip that displays such grandeur. The Porte-cohere is a hulking collection of levels, stacked upon on another, but grow in size as each level steps upward. The rest looks as if a massive set of plaster steps were turned upside down and placed over the entrance. The edge of each level is lined with brass treatments that are repeated vertical poles of polished brass, greeting a repeated striping pattern. From behind this treatment and pushed further back beyond the human eye, a rose colored glow is produced by intense lighting fades into a soft halo as it dies out toward the edges. The mass and girth of the structure is helped out visually by the angles chosen to in its design. The entire construction seems to sag under it's own weight, for each level is slightly cupped into a concave shape. Each levels edges are concave as well, producing a illusion of movement in space. To the right of the porte-cochere there is still the aqua tinted light pouring out of the latticework, that fills the arcade of arches. On the main tower directly behind the porte-cochere, the red neon logo is present as well as elsewhere on the building as well. Facing east this particular set of letters looms high over head. The section of the building is a vertically elongated temple front, stretching the height of the building. Four pilasters run the vertical length of the building, holding black spans of tinted windows in between. They each are topped with golden Corinthian capitals, which hold up the classic entablature and pediment. "Caesars Palace" is spelled across the entablature in channel letters and filled with red neon. In the pediment above a golden crest of Julius Caesar's profile flanked by two encompassing olive branches. The crest is ambiently lit with white light. The tower just behind the main building also supports text on its east face as well. As the narrow edge of the tower, the vertical plane rises upward but is flat and smooth until it reaches the top section. It is essentially a giant entablature created out of the temple fronts on either side that wrap around to meet on the width. On this flat plane, "Caesars Palace" is spelled in the classic lettering and neon treatment seen on the building letters just below that. The building itself is ambiently lit but the profile of Caesar above the text is not a brightly lit as the other. On the south side of the parking garage, on the western edge of the property, the channel letter logo reads in red neon as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Masonry
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The V-shaped red channels on the silver main pylon chase each other downward toward the ground. The main text on the pylon animates as well. The letters light up one at a time with red neon from left to right as the arrows continue to chase downward. The logo/text sign located above the giant replica of the Harley Davidson, animate as well. The incandescent bulbs which fill the text, spelling the name of the establishment, oscillate, steady burn, then shut off, and then restarting the sequence. The letters that spell cafe on the lower portion of the sign animate in concert and with the same sequence as the main text.
Sign environment: Caesars Palace sits in one of the biggest and busiest sections of the strip, and has always been a mainstay. The ambiently lit classic features of architecture seem almost specter like moments, with the blazing red eyes of the Caesars text staring from afar. From the street, the actual structures are set a bit back from the street, seeming rather distant. Construction is currently present around the exterior edges of the property, which rather dampens effect of the theming, but everything shines through. The theme does step out to the street with the statuary, creeping out to pedestrians and the pylon signs. The main signs are street side, pointing toward the casino. Headed south on the west side of the street the two pylon signs lead up to the porte-cochere. Standing underneath the porte-cochere looking out, the fountains provide a picturesque scene to see the other side of the street. The buildings loom high over head. The environment contains elements, which can be seen repeated throughout hotel exteriors. The large water element, the Classic architectural design motif, and the spectacular porte-cochere are still evident in properties built today. Even though Caesars continues to evolve with the current trends, all of these elements were presenting its original design.
Sign manufacturer: Pylon 1: YESCO Pylon 2: Ad Art
Sign - date of installation: 1966, 1998
Sign - date of redesign/move: On-going additions since 1966
Sign - thematic influences: Caesars Palace may be the first themed resort, which has taken its theme to an extreme the likes of which had never been seen before. Ever since it's original inception in 1966, Caesars Palace has sought to give its guest the most of the Ancient Roman theme. Caesars is simply dripping with imagery and architecture that is steeped in the theme of Ancient Rome. No matter where you go there are collections of statuary, domes and columns, false temple fronts create the facades of the towers, and low geometric hedges and cypress trees all add to the theme. Any themed property can draw influence from Caesars Palace, and still stands as one of the highest markers for competitors to be judged by.
Sign - artistic significance: Very important signage that can be seen reflected in many aspects of non-casino culture. Caesars Palace is one of the icons of American popular culture, and the distinctive Romanesque neon is a big reason why.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Masonry; Paint
Site name: Caesars Palace (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3200 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Park Place Entertainment
Sign details: Caesars Palace is located between the Flamingo Rd. on the western side of Las Vegas Blvd Caesars has grown over the years since it's opening, but remains the true to its classic form. Signage for the resort is limited compared to some but consists of significant pieces of signage such as two large pylon signs, a rotating sign for Planet Hollywood, building signage consisting of logo text, as well as a porte-cochere. The property itself is an over abundance of classic design form after another, mixed among modern amenities like an Omnimax theatre. Caesars Palace is a permanent icon in Las Vegas Imagery and folklore.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: The YESCO pylon is located at the northern side of the property and is constructed of black painted steel and centers around a base of four columns aligned in a row. The sign faces north/south. The four columns rise out of the ground about six feet in the air before a long horizontal, gold bordered, rounded end cabinet, that reads and points to free covered parking. The text is graphically applied and internally lit. The cabinet is lit from the backside with neon, creating a halo behind the sign. The columns continue upward until they are met with the triangular cabinet, pointing east, with the two faces, being occupied a color LED message center. The interior edge of the face of the sign is bordered with green neon. Above the visible top edge of the wedge shaped message boards, the Caesar's Palace logo if illuminated in red neon upon a rectangular section created out of two entablatures, stacked on top of each other. The top entablature reads "Caesars" in red letters and "Palace" in the second row The two are capped with pediment lined on the interior edge with gold neon and a back-lit Caesar's logo. The exterior of the cabinet is polished aluminum, with metal channel letters. The original pylon built much earlier, utilized six-column shafts capped with golden statuary, secured to a large concrete base. When facing the columns, facing north, or south, the majority of the view of the vertical pieces is taken up by the giant internally lit message center, with removable lettering. The outer edge is crafted the same as the face of the other pylon, but it is bordered in pink neon. The four center columns supports an entablature supporting the logo text, and above that a pediment rounds out the classic architectural combination. The top half of the pediment is larger and supports the text "Caesars," while the lower, narrower section reads "Palace". The entire pediment is striped horizontally with bands of aqua neon that creates a field for the text. The text is in the stylized roman text, in channel letters, and lined with red neon. One of the most attractive pieces of signage is the Caesars porte-cochere. The famous fountains lead up to the main entrance, which is shadowed by the massive porte-cochere, which is one of the few remaining on the strip that displays such grandeur. The Porte-cohere is a hulking collection of levels, stacked upon on another, but grow in size as each level steps upward. The rest looks as if a massive set of plaster steps were turned upside down and placed over the entrance. The edge of each level is lined with brass treatments that are repeated vertical poles of polished brass, greeting a repeated striping pattern. From behind this treatment and pushed further back beyond the human eye, a rose colored glow is produced by intense lighting fades into a soft halo as it dies out toward the edges. The mass and girth of the structure is helped out visually by the angles chosen to in its design. The entire construction seems to sag under it's own weight, for each level is slightly cupped into a concave shape. Each levels edges are concave as well, producing a illusion of movement in space. To the right of the porte-cochere there is still the aqua tinted light pouring out of the latticework, that fills the arcade of arches. On the main tower directly behind the porte-cochere, the red neon logo is present as well as elsewhere on the building as well. Facing east this particular set of letters looms high over head. The section of the building is a vertically elongated temple front, stretching the height of the building. Four pilasters run the vertical length of the building, holding black spans of tinted windows in between. They each are topped with golden Corinthian capitals, which hold up the classic entablature and pediment. "Caesars Palace" is spelled across the entablature in channel letters and filled with red neon. In the pediment above a golden crest of Julius Caesar's profile flanked by two encompassing olive branches. The crest is ambiently lit with white light. The tower just behind the main building also supports text on its east face as well. As the narrow edge of the tower, the vertical plane rises upward but is flat and smooth until it reaches the top section. It is essentially a giant entablature created out of the temple fronts on either side that wrap around to meet on the width. On this flat plane, "Caesars Palace" is spelled in the classic lettering and neon treatment seen on the building letters just below that. The building itself is ambiently lit but the profile of Caesar above the text is not a brightly lit as the other. On the south side of the parking garage, on the western edge of the property, the channel letter logo reads in red neon as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Masonry
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The V-shaped red channels on the silver main pylon chase each other downward toward the ground. The main text on the pylon animates as well. The letters light up one at a time with red neon from left to right as the arrows continue to chase downward. The logo/text sign located above the giant replica of the Harley Davidson, animate as well. The incandescent bulbs which fill the text, spelling the name of the establishment, oscillate, steady burn, then shut off, and then restarting the sequence. The letters that spell cafe on the lower portion of the sign animate in concert and with the same sequence as the main text.
Sign environment: Caesars Palace sits in one of the biggest and busiest sections of the strip, and has always been a mainstay. The ambiently lit classic features of architecture seem almost specter like moments, with the blazing red eyes of the Caesars text staring from afar. From the street, the actual structures are set a bit back from the street, seeming rather distant. Construction is currently present around the exterior edges of the property, which rather dampens effect of the theming, but everything shines through. The theme does step out to the street with the statuary, creeping out to pedestrians and the pylon signs. The main signs are street side, pointing toward the casino. Headed south on the west side of the street the two pylon signs lead up to the porte-cochere. Standing underneath the porte-cochere looking out, the fountains provide a picturesque scene to see the other side of the street. The buildings loom high over head. The environment contains elements, which can be seen repeated throughout hotel exteriors. The large water element, the Classic architectural design motif, and the spectacular porte-cochere are still evident in properties built today. Even though Caesars continues to evolve with the current trends, all of these elements were presenting its original design.
Sign manufacturer: Pylon 1: YESCO Pylon 2: Ad Art
Sign - date of installation: 1966, 1998
Sign - date of redesign/move: On-going additions since 1966
Sign - thematic influences: Caesars Palace may be the first themed resort, which has taken its theme to an extreme the likes of which had never been seen before. Ever since it's original inception in 1966, Caesars Palace has sought to give its guest the most of the Ancient Roman theme. Caesars is simply dripping with imagery and architecture that is steeped in the theme of Ancient Rome. No matter where you go there are collections of statuary, domes and columns, false temple fronts create the facades of the towers, and low geometric hedges and cypress trees all add to the theme. Any themed property can draw influence from Caesars Palace, and still stands as one of the highest markers for competitors to be judged by.
Sign - artistic significance: Very important signage that can be seen reflected in many aspects of non-casino culture. Caesars Palace is one of the icons of American popular culture, and the distinctive Romanesque neon is a big reason why.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Masonry; Paint
Mixed Content
Donn Arden Papers
Identifier
MS-00425
Abstract
The Donn Arden Papers (1910s-1990s) document Arden's sixty-plus years in the entertainment industry working in showrooms and nightclubs all over the world including Paris, France, Las Vegas, Nevada, New York, New York, and Los Angeles, California. Donn Arden worked as a choreographer, producer and director known for creating extravagant production shows that combined spectacular scenery and disaster with sequined and feathered showgirls. The collection is comprised of production notes, programs, photographs, posters, sheet music, correspondence, costume design sketches, press clippings, and magazine articles.
Archival Collection
Howard Cannon Papers
Identifier
MS-00002
Abstract
The Howard Cannon Papers (1958-2002) contain the personal, administrative, and legislative papers of Howard W. Cannon, U.S. Senator from Nevada between 1959 to 1983. The collection primarily pertains to Cannon's time in office from the 86th Congress in 1959 to the 97th Congress in 1983. Materials include correspondence, speech transcripts and supporting research material, press releases, reports, memoranda, newspaper and magazine clippings, Senate voting records, and photographic negatives taken by the U.S. Senate photographer Arthur E. Scott. The collection also includes constituent correspondence and casework related to legislative issues such as foreign relations, social security, veterans, tax reform, labor, aviation, nuclear testing and waste, civil rights, and environmental protection.
Archival Collection
Homer Rissman Architectural Records
Identifier
MS-00452
Abstract
The collection is comprised of architectural records (1947-2001) of American architect, Homer Rissman and the architectural firm, Rissman and Rissman Associates Ltd, a partnership of Homer Rissman and his brother Marshall. The collection includes 825 items from over 40 major projects and over 110 minor projects. The Rissmans' work represented in the collection focused on Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Los Angeles, Southern California, and Arizona, with Homer's early career design work in Chicago, Illinois. The materials feature hand-drawn architectural drawings, ranging from pencil and ink on tracing paper preliminary sketches to ink on Mylar (TM) construction documents, and a number of artist’s renderings, used for presentations and promotional materials. The drawings also contain work from a number of consultants, engineers, and other architects who collaborated on the development of the various projects. The collection includes architectural drawings for: hotels, casinos, integrated casino resorts, office towers, multi-family residential developments, and custom single-family homes.
Archival Collection
Drug laws: reports, analysis, House Resolution 5484, status, correspondence, clippings, press release, statement from Senator Hecht, and notes
Date
1984 to 1988
Description
Folder of documents from the Senator Chic Hecht Political Papers (MS-00003) -- Subject Files -- Judiciary file.
Text
Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County (Nev.): memos, agendas, and meeting minutes
Date
1965
Description
From the Clark County Economic Opportunity Board Records -- Series I. Administrative. This folder contains memos, agendas and minutes from meetings of the Clark County Economic Opportunity Board in 1965 talking about applications, programs, budgets, and more.
Text
"Black Entertainers in Las Vegas in the Era of Segregation 1940-1960": manuscript draft by Roosevelt Fitzgerald
Date
1970 (year approximate) to 1996 (year approximate)
Description
From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Unpublished manuscripts file.
Text
Nevada Library Notes
Date
1964 to 1967
Description
Nevada Library Notes, Vol. 1-4 issued by the Nevada State Library. Materials about the news of library activities and articles for publication by Nevada librarians. It also contains minutes of the 18th annual convention.
Text
Photographs of Boardwalk Holiday Inn signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the Boardwalk Holiday Inn signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3750 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: MGM Mirage
Sign details: The Boardwalk Holiday Inn is one of the most distinctive front faces which incorporate an extreme amount of signage condensed into a replica version of an eastern sea board. Since it is designed to be reminiscent of a boardwalk, the pedestrian element is a wooden planked walkway lined with shops and establishments. The area is separated from the traffic by landscaping and concrete elements. All the shop fronts designs, some false and others functioning, are all linked into the casino. The structure is encrusted with raceways and incandescent bulbs, as well as a ridiculous amount of internally lit signage that advertising everything from hotel promotions, to prices of drinks. Headed from the south, headed north, the parking garage can be seen, set back from the street slightly west, adorned with signage on it's face. The casino begins at full throttle aesthetically, with raceways lining almost every edge, contrasting tones of paint, murals, advertisements, neon and incandescence all come together. Above the first main entrance of the property, is a vibrantly lit, gold clad entrance canopy. Above that a non-functioning skeletal mass of a roller coaster comprises the majority of the southern end of the property. Neon letters are located on the vertical plane created by the rise of the tracks. The carnival style treatments of raceways and propaganda run north until the path is interrupted by the vertical pylon sign which is integrated into the architecture of the Boardwalks facade. The tracks continue above the property, all along the length interrupted by the main pylon and addressed with replica's of Ferris wheels with actual mannequins, dressed and riding inside of them. Just pas the main pylon the facade is transformed into a giant three dimensional clowns head smiling joyfully. The facade continues a short distance past the clown's head, and rounds off just as it began.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: Upon the eastern face of the parking garage signage is created upon the top edge of the outside wall. The top edge of the wall is fashioned into a sculpted entablature of signage, complete with rising crests and swooping scrolls, which match the fashion of decoration for the facade as well. On each side of the surface possess a pair of internally lit signage. One is square, and the next is rectangular, brandished with black text. The center portion of the sign is closed in with a pair of half columns which rise out of the surface of the entablature to flank the main text. These half columns are laced with an outline of an orange and yellow neon tubing. The Text is spelled in two different lines of channel letters lined with red neon on the interiors. The First line reads "Boardwalk Casino" the second line reads "Free Parking." The two lines span the length of the space provided and are separated by a sculpted dividing line. The tower just to the north of the parking garage is suited with channel letters that spell "Boardwalk' and are filled with red neon. Roller coaster: The sign which resides over the first entrance is similar that of the paring garage, for it is placed in a raceway bordered fascia. The large channel letters are placed in the center and spell " Casino." The first and last letter are the smallest in size, and gradually climb up toward the middle. They are filled with incandescent bulbs and outlined with a border of red neon. Pylon: The rest of the facade is necessary for the theme to really work, but the tallest and brightest piece is the main pylon sign. The pylon sign is essentially a triangular shape which rises straight up into the air. If a unilateral triangle, then one point is facing east with the two sides meeting at this eastern most point, being designated for the main signage. Three visible posts support the sign, glowing with the reflectivity of the gold polished underside which is striped with rows of incandescent bulbs, running perpendicular to the entrance. Three bands of pink neon wrap the two visible sides, just above the pedestrians head. Just above that there is a narrow LED message center which scrolls text, which also wraps the two sides. The majority of the sign occupies the space between this small border and the main marquee. This rectangular portion each one of the pylons sides can be broken down into four horizontal sections. The bottom two comprise the bottom 1/3 of the sign, and are internally lit advertisements ninety-nine cent offers and the Surf buffet. The middle section, being the tallest, contains a large LED message center, flanked on both sides by multi colored neon tubes crafted into the shapes of stars. The stars vary in size and spread up the small wings of the reader board with surprising fluidity. Compared to the rest of this section, the top remainder is rather plain. A plain surface is accented with a pair of words spelled in channel letters. The word hotel is spelled on the left and filled red neon. They are separated by a small, circular, channel filled with green neon. The word on the right is spelled in the same lettering except it is filled with green neon. The space above that is occupied by the main logo for the establishment. A black field supports large white channel letters that are filled with white neon. Then black field is closed in on all sides by scrollwork shapes created out of incandescence and neon. The white and yellow luminescence, takes the form of a double arched section resembling an "E" or a sideways "M" or "W." The top sweeps upward creating an arched top. A top the main array of signage there are three smoke stacks arranged in a triangular formation, with one at the very front of the edge of the sign and two flanking them in the distance. When looking at the sign directly at the face, it appears as if there are a pair for either side. Spanning the distance between the two smoke stacks is an LED reader board lined on both the top and bottom edge with blue neon. An arch of raceways lined with incandescent bulbs loops over the reader board. A large pylon is designated for the Surf Buffet as well. On the northern end of the property a tall pylon sign faces north/south, and stands lined with red neon. The vertical post supports three internally lit cabinets. The post itself, if viewed directly from the top, would be in an "X" or cross formation. Vertical bars of red neon run up the length of the pole, creating a striping effect. The three cabinets are arranged sitting one on top the other, with a small space in between each. The group all differ in size to an extent, with the two lower cabinets being similar sized, horizontal rectangles, and the top cabinet being the largest. They all have raceways lining the exterior faces with chasing incandescent bulbs. The faces are brightly illuminated colored plastic, with the main cabinet being an advertisement for the Surf Buffet. The others advertise for similar amenities.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Sign environment: The environment created by the Boardwalk is an effective use of the theme on the pedestrian to create the environment. The Boardwalk is located next to a CVS Pharmacy to the south, which was erected during the course of the survey. When the pedestrian walks upon the Boardwalk, it is busy and noisy, and very attraction getting. When passing into the front side of the property, a pedestrian is assaulted with sounds and noises that are difficult not to pay attention to. This feeling created by the conglomerate of signage and utter blazing advertisement, is almost like a roller coaster. Person comes out the other side noticeably aware of the silence and darkness contrasted to the presence of the property.
Sign - thematic influences: The theme surrounding the Holiday Inn Boardwalk is that of a seaside boardwalk. Most preferably it is modeled to be representative of the eastern seaboard Coney Island. The facade therefore is most logically themed after the environment experienced on such property, amusement rides, and boisterous circus type lighting loom overhead, while wooden planks exist under the foot of the pedestrian. The walk is lined with coin-operated gadgets and games, while store fronts are found spaced between glowing advertisements. A faux Ferris wheel and roller coaster create an overhead arena of stylized representation that can best be suited as one of the more unique on the strip. It is not often that you see mock people lined up inside of a non- functioning Ferris wheel. Oddly enough, this phenomenon can be linked to couple of still existing Las Vegas Strip properties. When Caesars Palace completed its initial main pylon sign, actual life sized replicas of Centurions and Romans were placed at the base of the statue. They were painted to appear as life like as well. This is one example. The next is the living embodiment of this representation of figures, and their role as evolved on the strip as well. Madame Tussaud's wax museum can be said to be the incarnation of the use and fascination with such a medium. While the exteriors of such properties have shifted toward classic statuary, the life like figure has assumed the role of art form, as an elevated attraction in today's strip community. The noisy facade finds a place for three dimensional sculptural elements, such as the clowns face, which further adds to the "Coney Island" "Atlantic City" theming. Event though, the theme, and very nature of the construction of the Boardwalks facade are dictated by its name, it set early precedence for this interactive miniature city facade as present in many of the major player among the strip. e.g. The Paris, NY NY, Bellagio, Aladdin, etc.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass; Graphics; Paint
Site address: 3750 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: MGM Mirage
Sign details: The Boardwalk Holiday Inn is one of the most distinctive front faces which incorporate an extreme amount of signage condensed into a replica version of an eastern sea board. Since it is designed to be reminiscent of a boardwalk, the pedestrian element is a wooden planked walkway lined with shops and establishments. The area is separated from the traffic by landscaping and concrete elements. All the shop fronts designs, some false and others functioning, are all linked into the casino. The structure is encrusted with raceways and incandescent bulbs, as well as a ridiculous amount of internally lit signage that advertising everything from hotel promotions, to prices of drinks. Headed from the south, headed north, the parking garage can be seen, set back from the street slightly west, adorned with signage on it's face. The casino begins at full throttle aesthetically, with raceways lining almost every edge, contrasting tones of paint, murals, advertisements, neon and incandescence all come together. Above the first main entrance of the property, is a vibrantly lit, gold clad entrance canopy. Above that a non-functioning skeletal mass of a roller coaster comprises the majority of the southern end of the property. Neon letters are located on the vertical plane created by the rise of the tracks. The carnival style treatments of raceways and propaganda run north until the path is interrupted by the vertical pylon sign which is integrated into the architecture of the Boardwalks facade. The tracks continue above the property, all along the length interrupted by the main pylon and addressed with replica's of Ferris wheels with actual mannequins, dressed and riding inside of them. Just pas the main pylon the facade is transformed into a giant three dimensional clowns head smiling joyfully. The facade continues a short distance past the clown's head, and rounds off just as it began.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: Upon the eastern face of the parking garage signage is created upon the top edge of the outside wall. The top edge of the wall is fashioned into a sculpted entablature of signage, complete with rising crests and swooping scrolls, which match the fashion of decoration for the facade as well. On each side of the surface possess a pair of internally lit signage. One is square, and the next is rectangular, brandished with black text. The center portion of the sign is closed in with a pair of half columns which rise out of the surface of the entablature to flank the main text. These half columns are laced with an outline of an orange and yellow neon tubing. The Text is spelled in two different lines of channel letters lined with red neon on the interiors. The First line reads "Boardwalk Casino" the second line reads "Free Parking." The two lines span the length of the space provided and are separated by a sculpted dividing line. The tower just to the north of the parking garage is suited with channel letters that spell "Boardwalk' and are filled with red neon. Roller coaster: The sign which resides over the first entrance is similar that of the paring garage, for it is placed in a raceway bordered fascia. The large channel letters are placed in the center and spell " Casino." The first and last letter are the smallest in size, and gradually climb up toward the middle. They are filled with incandescent bulbs and outlined with a border of red neon. Pylon: The rest of the facade is necessary for the theme to really work, but the tallest and brightest piece is the main pylon sign. The pylon sign is essentially a triangular shape which rises straight up into the air. If a unilateral triangle, then one point is facing east with the two sides meeting at this eastern most point, being designated for the main signage. Three visible posts support the sign, glowing with the reflectivity of the gold polished underside which is striped with rows of incandescent bulbs, running perpendicular to the entrance. Three bands of pink neon wrap the two visible sides, just above the pedestrians head. Just above that there is a narrow LED message center which scrolls text, which also wraps the two sides. The majority of the sign occupies the space between this small border and the main marquee. This rectangular portion each one of the pylons sides can be broken down into four horizontal sections. The bottom two comprise the bottom 1/3 of the sign, and are internally lit advertisements ninety-nine cent offers and the Surf buffet. The middle section, being the tallest, contains a large LED message center, flanked on both sides by multi colored neon tubes crafted into the shapes of stars. The stars vary in size and spread up the small wings of the reader board with surprising fluidity. Compared to the rest of this section, the top remainder is rather plain. A plain surface is accented with a pair of words spelled in channel letters. The word hotel is spelled on the left and filled red neon. They are separated by a small, circular, channel filled with green neon. The word on the right is spelled in the same lettering except it is filled with green neon. The space above that is occupied by the main logo for the establishment. A black field supports large white channel letters that are filled with white neon. Then black field is closed in on all sides by scrollwork shapes created out of incandescence and neon. The white and yellow luminescence, takes the form of a double arched section resembling an "E" or a sideways "M" or "W." The top sweeps upward creating an arched top. A top the main array of signage there are three smoke stacks arranged in a triangular formation, with one at the very front of the edge of the sign and two flanking them in the distance. When looking at the sign directly at the face, it appears as if there are a pair for either side. Spanning the distance between the two smoke stacks is an LED reader board lined on both the top and bottom edge with blue neon. An arch of raceways lined with incandescent bulbs loops over the reader board. A large pylon is designated for the Surf Buffet as well. On the northern end of the property a tall pylon sign faces north/south, and stands lined with red neon. The vertical post supports three internally lit cabinets. The post itself, if viewed directly from the top, would be in an "X" or cross formation. Vertical bars of red neon run up the length of the pole, creating a striping effect. The three cabinets are arranged sitting one on top the other, with a small space in between each. The group all differ in size to an extent, with the two lower cabinets being similar sized, horizontal rectangles, and the top cabinet being the largest. They all have raceways lining the exterior faces with chasing incandescent bulbs. The faces are brightly illuminated colored plastic, with the main cabinet being an advertisement for the Surf Buffet. The others advertise for similar amenities.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Sign environment: The environment created by the Boardwalk is an effective use of the theme on the pedestrian to create the environment. The Boardwalk is located next to a CVS Pharmacy to the south, which was erected during the course of the survey. When the pedestrian walks upon the Boardwalk, it is busy and noisy, and very attraction getting. When passing into the front side of the property, a pedestrian is assaulted with sounds and noises that are difficult not to pay attention to. This feeling created by the conglomerate of signage and utter blazing advertisement, is almost like a roller coaster. Person comes out the other side noticeably aware of the silence and darkness contrasted to the presence of the property.
Sign - thematic influences: The theme surrounding the Holiday Inn Boardwalk is that of a seaside boardwalk. Most preferably it is modeled to be representative of the eastern seaboard Coney Island. The facade therefore is most logically themed after the environment experienced on such property, amusement rides, and boisterous circus type lighting loom overhead, while wooden planks exist under the foot of the pedestrian. The walk is lined with coin-operated gadgets and games, while store fronts are found spaced between glowing advertisements. A faux Ferris wheel and roller coaster create an overhead arena of stylized representation that can best be suited as one of the more unique on the strip. It is not often that you see mock people lined up inside of a non- functioning Ferris wheel. Oddly enough, this phenomenon can be linked to couple of still existing Las Vegas Strip properties. When Caesars Palace completed its initial main pylon sign, actual life sized replicas of Centurions and Romans were placed at the base of the statue. They were painted to appear as life like as well. This is one example. The next is the living embodiment of this representation of figures, and their role as evolved on the strip as well. Madame Tussaud's wax museum can be said to be the incarnation of the use and fascination with such a medium. While the exteriors of such properties have shifted toward classic statuary, the life like figure has assumed the role of art form, as an elevated attraction in today's strip community. The noisy facade finds a place for three dimensional sculptural elements, such as the clowns face, which further adds to the "Coney Island" "Atlantic City" theming. Event though, the theme, and very nature of the construction of the Boardwalks facade are dictated by its name, it set early precedence for this interactive miniature city facade as present in many of the major player among the strip. e.g. The Paris, NY NY, Bellagio, Aladdin, etc.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass; Graphics; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Stardust signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Nighttime views of the Stardust Resort and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Stardust Resort and Casino
Site address: 3000 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Boyd Gaming
Sign details: This is a large casino property that is clearly a center of attention.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Even though the facade of the Stardust has gone through many changes, streamlining itself over the years, yet retains aspects of it's original flavor. The tower faces northwest and southeast and is adorned with horizontal bars of red neon underlining each floor. The top tube only stretches approximately one-quarter of the way across the face, and with each floor, the neon gets increasingly longer. The result is the building being cut across the face at an angle, with one half being illuminated by the red neon and the other by ambiently blue lighting. Large Channel letters spelling "Stardust," are bordered by red neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. The Majority of the external signage is on the low rise structure close to the street, with the tower located to the northwest behind it. The array is comprised of two small pylon message centers, a porte cochere, the main pylon, and assorted entrance signs. On the south side of the building alongside a large parking lot, an entrance sign hangs above a two-sided corner entrance, Wrapping this small corner, polished gold raceways and trim create borders for the accordion surfaced pediment, and shoot up vertically into the sky on the far ends. Blue neon shines from behind the shining trim above the door to illuminate the whit accordion facade. The trim above that is adorned with two tubes of gold neon on the top and the bottom, hidden in recessed channels to cast a gold halo from behind. The two vertical edges are lined with incandescent bulbs. On the south wall of the small corner, channel letters stand on the top edge of the golden molding, reading "Casino." They are black on the exterior, painted white on the interior, and filled with incandescent bulbs, and bordered with red neon. On the Southeast edge of the building another entrance of a bit more design Above a set of doors, and the blue lit accordion facade and golden halo cast metallic trim, a Squared "U" shape made of polished metal raceways, holds a back lit message center housed on a black cabinet. On either side of the vertical legs of the "U" shape, another single raceway rises slightly higher in the air. All the raceways are lined with incandescent bulbs. Above the cabinet, black channel letters, spell "Stardust." They are finished white on the exterior, filled with incandescent bulbs, and outlined in red neon. Moving around to the eastern facade of the building, the facade is a three leveled pediment in the accordion pattern, and separated with the polished trim. The Yellow and blue lighting illuminate this facade also. The pattern is only interrupted by oval shaped back lit cabinets, placed every so often. Eventually you come to the porte. It is no longer finished with mirrors, but still retains the raceways lined with incandescent bulbs. The surface in between is filled with white stucco finish. What is left is a series of 5 hexagonal shapes crafted out of raceways and hung a section ceiling lower than the rest. Geometric patterns radiate from this center piece. North, past the porte cochere a section of building juts out to the east. It contains an entrance on the north and south faces, and two on the east face which are parts wrapping around from the previously mentioned entrances. Over the north and south entrances the "U" shaped polished metallic raceways and external flanking raceways, as seen before on the southeast entrance, play host to a narrow LED message center and channel text spelling stardust. The letters have the same treatment as the previous sign as well, and spell "Stardust" in channel letters. They too are filled with incandescent bulbs and bordered with red neon. Above the text, channel pans are in the shape of four pointed stars as seen on the main pylon, are slightly scattered as if to be showering over the text. They are multi colored, centered with arrays of incandescent bulbs and interior neon contours. The accordion facade and lighting are below the composition. Below the accordion pediment, a polished gold bullnose creates a pediment above the door and wraps around to the east face of the structure. A pointed end polished metallic cabinet is placed in the section of the bullnose over the door, spelling "Casino Entrance" in channel letters and filled with red neon. The surface of the bullnose is laden with incandescent bulbs. The facade wraps around the front with another pointed end cabinet reading entrance in the same fashion as the previously mentioned text. A small section of foliage and shrubbery line the west face of this extension of the casino before the same arrangements of sign are seen repeated on the north face. Passing the entrance the property opens up into a courtyard with an arrangement of low rising concrete cylindrical fountains created a multi-leveled garden of spurting water and plants. Just past the courtyard another entrance is found created out of the northeast corner of the building. Like the other entrances, elements such as the blue lit accordion face, double rows of vertical metallic raceways, properly treated channel letters, are present. The gold raceways wrap the corner with backlit cabinets on the east and north faces. The channel letters read "Stardust" on the east face and "Casino" on the northern face. The ceiling that the overhang creates is finished in polished metallic material and laden with incandescent bulbs. Just outside the last entrance the first of two low rise message pylons. The one located on the north end of the property is larger and more spectacular. The large triangular cabinet's faces are backlit, slightly concave message boards. The tops of each o these cabinets in adorned with a smaller, purple steel cabinet, approximately eighteen inches tall, and running the length of the cabinet. "Stardust is spelled across the length of the cabinet in channel letters, and filed with rose neon. The cabinet is laden with incandescent bulbs, creating a canvass for the letters to reside. The three edges, which is the gap where the three signs meet and the bottom of the cabinet are covered in incandescent bulbs. The surfaces are treated with polished metal. The pole which the cabinet sits is a white, two sided, support with two peaks growing out horizontally about two-thirds up the height. The shape, along with a Stardust style star channel pan in its center, is a representation of the repeated image associated with the logo of the property. The edge of the post is treated with a border of purple paint and lined with purple incandescent bulbs. Just inside the border stripe a channel recesses forming another border for a tube of purple neon. The star pan channel in the center is bordered in teal neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. A top the entire cabinet is an array of stardust stars of various colors, bordered in neon, and or filled incandescent bulbs. The array is assorted again to appear as if they are being showered, tapering to one single star at the top. The entire cabinet rotates slowly from right to left. The cousin to this sign is at the extreme south end of the property, set before an entrance give a larger double backed cabinet sits off center on a square post. The white plastic face is housed in a white steel cabinet with rounded edges. The top or the sign is comprised of the same purple cabinet and channel letters seen in tops of the concave message boards of the rotating relative at the north end. The width of the cabinet is strewn with incandescent bulbs, continuing underneath as well. The post is painted two tones.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign environment: To the south of the Stardust is the Westward Ho, and to the North is Circus Circus. It stands with these two as well as the Frontier as vestiges of an older era of Las Vegas resorts. The Riviera also resides across the street. Vast shoots of concrete, spread out in front of the hotel, creating a continual plaza which runs from north to south. It contains lush flowers and fountains that toss water to each other is shooting arcs. In the daytime, the white of the remodeled facade is almost blinding against the concrete.
Sign manufacturer: Ad-Art (pylon); Sign Systems, Inc (porte cochere)
Sign designer: Paul Miller (pylon) Brian K. Leming ( porte cochere and facade)
Sign - date of installation: 1968
Sign - date of redesign/move: The original Electra-Jag style letters were replaced in 1991 by a sleeker Helvetica type face, as well as the letters for Enter the Night being changed to read "The Wayne Newton Theatre" in 1999. Also in this year, the facade was changed to a reserved white finish. The accordion shape is still present but no longer tri colored. The move was presumably made in an attempt to compete and fit in with its bigger corporate competitors.
Sign - thematic influences: The Stardust's theme revolves around an outer space/science-fiction theme, which was exceptionally popular during the era which it was created. When the original design, no longer present, was created in 1958, the Russian space project of Sputnik was just realized.
Sign - artistic significance: This is one of the most widely-admired and imitated signs on all the Strip.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Paint; Graphics
Site name: Stardust Resort and Casino
Site address: 3000 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Boyd Gaming
Sign details: This is a large casino property that is clearly a center of attention.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Even though the facade of the Stardust has gone through many changes, streamlining itself over the years, yet retains aspects of it's original flavor. The tower faces northwest and southeast and is adorned with horizontal bars of red neon underlining each floor. The top tube only stretches approximately one-quarter of the way across the face, and with each floor, the neon gets increasingly longer. The result is the building being cut across the face at an angle, with one half being illuminated by the red neon and the other by ambiently blue lighting. Large Channel letters spelling "Stardust," are bordered by red neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. The Majority of the external signage is on the low rise structure close to the street, with the tower located to the northwest behind it. The array is comprised of two small pylon message centers, a porte cochere, the main pylon, and assorted entrance signs. On the south side of the building alongside a large parking lot, an entrance sign hangs above a two-sided corner entrance, Wrapping this small corner, polished gold raceways and trim create borders for the accordion surfaced pediment, and shoot up vertically into the sky on the far ends. Blue neon shines from behind the shining trim above the door to illuminate the whit accordion facade. The trim above that is adorned with two tubes of gold neon on the top and the bottom, hidden in recessed channels to cast a gold halo from behind. The two vertical edges are lined with incandescent bulbs. On the south wall of the small corner, channel letters stand on the top edge of the golden molding, reading "Casino." They are black on the exterior, painted white on the interior, and filled with incandescent bulbs, and bordered with red neon. On the Southeast edge of the building another entrance of a bit more design Above a set of doors, and the blue lit accordion facade and golden halo cast metallic trim, a Squared "U" shape made of polished metal raceways, holds a back lit message center housed on a black cabinet. On either side of the vertical legs of the "U" shape, another single raceway rises slightly higher in the air. All the raceways are lined with incandescent bulbs. Above the cabinet, black channel letters, spell "Stardust." They are finished white on the exterior, filled with incandescent bulbs, and outlined in red neon. Moving around to the eastern facade of the building, the facade is a three leveled pediment in the accordion pattern, and separated with the polished trim. The Yellow and blue lighting illuminate this facade also. The pattern is only interrupted by oval shaped back lit cabinets, placed every so often. Eventually you come to the porte. It is no longer finished with mirrors, but still retains the raceways lined with incandescent bulbs. The surface in between is filled with white stucco finish. What is left is a series of 5 hexagonal shapes crafted out of raceways and hung a section ceiling lower than the rest. Geometric patterns radiate from this center piece. North, past the porte cochere a section of building juts out to the east. It contains an entrance on the north and south faces, and two on the east face which are parts wrapping around from the previously mentioned entrances. Over the north and south entrances the "U" shaped polished metallic raceways and external flanking raceways, as seen before on the southeast entrance, play host to a narrow LED message center and channel text spelling stardust. The letters have the same treatment as the previous sign as well, and spell "Stardust" in channel letters. They too are filled with incandescent bulbs and bordered with red neon. Above the text, channel pans are in the shape of four pointed stars as seen on the main pylon, are slightly scattered as if to be showering over the text. They are multi colored, centered with arrays of incandescent bulbs and interior neon contours. The accordion facade and lighting are below the composition. Below the accordion pediment, a polished gold bullnose creates a pediment above the door and wraps around to the east face of the structure. A pointed end polished metallic cabinet is placed in the section of the bullnose over the door, spelling "Casino Entrance" in channel letters and filled with red neon. The surface of the bullnose is laden with incandescent bulbs. The facade wraps around the front with another pointed end cabinet reading entrance in the same fashion as the previously mentioned text. A small section of foliage and shrubbery line the west face of this extension of the casino before the same arrangements of sign are seen repeated on the north face. Passing the entrance the property opens up into a courtyard with an arrangement of low rising concrete cylindrical fountains created a multi-leveled garden of spurting water and plants. Just past the courtyard another entrance is found created out of the northeast corner of the building. Like the other entrances, elements such as the blue lit accordion face, double rows of vertical metallic raceways, properly treated channel letters, are present. The gold raceways wrap the corner with backlit cabinets on the east and north faces. The channel letters read "Stardust" on the east face and "Casino" on the northern face. The ceiling that the overhang creates is finished in polished metallic material and laden with incandescent bulbs. Just outside the last entrance the first of two low rise message pylons. The one located on the north end of the property is larger and more spectacular. The large triangular cabinet's faces are backlit, slightly concave message boards. The tops of each o these cabinets in adorned with a smaller, purple steel cabinet, approximately eighteen inches tall, and running the length of the cabinet. "Stardust is spelled across the length of the cabinet in channel letters, and filed with rose neon. The cabinet is laden with incandescent bulbs, creating a canvass for the letters to reside. The three edges, which is the gap where the three signs meet and the bottom of the cabinet are covered in incandescent bulbs. The surfaces are treated with polished metal. The pole which the cabinet sits is a white, two sided, support with two peaks growing out horizontally about two-thirds up the height. The shape, along with a Stardust style star channel pan in its center, is a representation of the repeated image associated with the logo of the property. The edge of the post is treated with a border of purple paint and lined with purple incandescent bulbs. Just inside the border stripe a channel recesses forming another border for a tube of purple neon. The star pan channel in the center is bordered in teal neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. A top the entire cabinet is an array of stardust stars of various colors, bordered in neon, and or filled incandescent bulbs. The array is assorted again to appear as if they are being showered, tapering to one single star at the top. The entire cabinet rotates slowly from right to left. The cousin to this sign is at the extreme south end of the property, set before an entrance give a larger double backed cabinet sits off center on a square post. The white plastic face is housed in a white steel cabinet with rounded edges. The top or the sign is comprised of the same purple cabinet and channel letters seen in tops of the concave message boards of the rotating relative at the north end. The width of the cabinet is strewn with incandescent bulbs, continuing underneath as well. The post is painted two tones.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign environment: To the south of the Stardust is the Westward Ho, and to the North is Circus Circus. It stands with these two as well as the Frontier as vestiges of an older era of Las Vegas resorts. The Riviera also resides across the street. Vast shoots of concrete, spread out in front of the hotel, creating a continual plaza which runs from north to south. It contains lush flowers and fountains that toss water to each other is shooting arcs. In the daytime, the white of the remodeled facade is almost blinding against the concrete.
Sign manufacturer: Ad-Art (pylon); Sign Systems, Inc (porte cochere)
Sign designer: Paul Miller (pylon) Brian K. Leming ( porte cochere and facade)
Sign - date of installation: 1968
Sign - date of redesign/move: The original Electra-Jag style letters were replaced in 1991 by a sleeker Helvetica type face, as well as the letters for Enter the Night being changed to read "The Wayne Newton Theatre" in 1999. Also in this year, the facade was changed to a reserved white finish. The accordion shape is still present but no longer tri colored. The move was presumably made in an attempt to compete and fit in with its bigger corporate competitors.
Sign - thematic influences: The Stardust's theme revolves around an outer space/science-fiction theme, which was exceptionally popular during the era which it was created. When the original design, no longer present, was created in 1958, the Russian space project of Sputnik was just realized.
Sign - artistic significance: This is one of the most widely-admired and imitated signs on all the Strip.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Paint; Graphics
Mixed Content
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