Moulin Rouge: City of Las Vegas wants to raze the remains
From the R-J:
The Moulin Rouge property, once an acclaimed hotel-casino that got international attention, is a “blight” and a “monstrosity” that needs to be razed to the ground, two Las Vegas officials said today. “It may be safe. It may not be a nuisance anymore,” said a frustrated Mayor Oscar Goodman, noting that the new owners have boarded up buildings, cleaned up litter and fenced the property. “But it is a blight.” Councilman Ricki Barlow, whose ward includes the property, agreed. “It doesn’t help the neighborhood,” he said. “It does not do that corridor any justice whatsoever. “I would like to see it taken down as soon as possible.” Both men asked city staff to collect bids to see how much the demolition would cost. The Moulin Rouge, on West Bonanza Road near Interstate 15, opened for a short time in 1955, but in that brief period attracted stars and notoriety because it was Las Vegas’ first racially integrated casino. Later years were not as kind. Hotel rooms were converted to apartments, which fell into disrepair. A 2003 fire destroyed the casino, and a fire earlier this year destroyed a 40-unit building on the grounds. Most of what’s left has been gutted and boarded up, although there are a handful of residents in condominiums on the north side of the property. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Las Vegas Historic Property Register, so any demolition plans would have to go before the Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission. Barlow said it’s “highly unlikely” that gaming will return to the property, which is in a largely industrial area. He said whatever is eventually built there needs to bring jobs to the area and be long-lasting. Other than that, his criteria is “anything but what it is right now.” “I’m open to a development that makes sense to the community,” he said. “I’m open to any new buyer or owner who’s looking to come and bring a development that makes sense.” Over the years, several developers have sought to re-create the Moulin Rouge, the latest being Moulin Rouge Properties, which borrowed money in 2006 and 2007 to buy the parcel. Financing to redevelop the site wasn’t forthcoming, however, and the lenders — Las Vegas Apartment Lenders and Olympic Coast Investment, both based in Washington — foreclosed on it. The new owners have made it clear that they’re not interested in being developers, and are only looking for a buyer. As with other city interventions on distressed properties, the bill for any demolition work the city does could be attached to the property as a lien that would be repaid when the property is sold. It wasn’t clear what might be done with the Moulin Rouge tower, which survived both fires. No one talked about it at today’s meeting. The famous multi-story sign that stood in front of the hotel-casino was removed before the latest fire and is in storage at the Neon Museum.
LasVegasLynn
in Current Day, Historical, Las Vegas History, Las Vegas Neighborhoods, Mid-Century Modern, Neon
|
Post a Comment
Brett Wesley Contemporary Grand Opening Thursday evening
Grand Opening
Brett Wesley Contemporary, a fine art gallery featuring a mix of sculptures, paintings and photography, announces its grand opening on Thursday, October 8, 2009 with a reception from 6:00-9:30 p.m.
All are welcomed to attend the reception and may RSVP by emailing inquire@brettwesley.com.
View Exhibition
Grand Opening
Along with paintings, sculptures and photography the gallery itself is a work of art. The new mid-century modern exhibition space is located in the ultra-hip Las Vegas Arts District area. The gallery plans to hold monthly shows featuring established names, as well as emerging and mid-career artists.
LasVegasLynn
in Cultural Tourism, Current Day, Mid-Century Modern
|
Post a Comment
Alan Hess to talk on Monday evening
Alan Hess talks Monday night, Oct. 5th, on Mid-Century Modern architect, Paul Revere Williams, and his work in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Neon Museum, the City of Las Vegas and assemblageSTUDIO will be sponsoring Alan Hess on Monday October 5th at the 5th Street School at 7PM.
The presentation is the kickoff of the design for the Neon Museum Visitors Center.
Alan's presentation will cover the work of Paul Williams including the La Concha which has been relocated to the Boneyard of the Neon Museum as well as the architectural style of Googie.
Presentation is open to the public and everyone is welcome.
I would like to thank everyone who took part in our fabulous "Beyond the Mint: The Mid-Century Modern Architecture of Walter Zick".
We had a great turn-out for the panel featuring Alan Hess, Claire Zick Walker and Karen Zick Goff and the afternoon bus tour was not only educational but everyone was laughing, joking and having a great time.
We took lots of photos, including at every stop, a photo-op for the National Trust's "This Place Matters"website.
As soon as I get over my exhaustion (three days, three events including one that is all day), I will post a thorough report on the day and provide lots of visuals.
Again, a big thanks to my partner on this, Dennis McBride as well as MaryJOY! Alderman for letting us tour her home, Jack LeVine for his help in getting out the word on this great event, Pam Hartley for her help in putting together the bus route, Sara Snodgrass, president of AIA-S for keeping the bus driver on route and Susan Deane and Zane and Jenny Donaldson and Brian "Paco" Alvarez for making sure no tour patron was left behind at any our stops.
If you were part of our big Zick day, I encourage you to leave comments here about your experience or email me with them and I will include them in the upcoming follow-up report.
My thanks also to Nevada Humanities, Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas; Friends of Classic Las Vegas; VeryVintageVegas; Atomic Age Alliance, the Junior League of Las Vegas and Brian "Paco" Alvarez for their generous financial support.
And lastly, my buddy, Eric Lynxwiler, for his great posters and tour booklets.
And now, I'm going to take a nap!
LasVegasLynn
in Cultural Tourism, Current Day, Historic Homes, Las Vegas History, Las Vegas Neighborhoods, Mid-Century Modern, Preservation Issues
|
Post a Comment
Untold Stories- This Thursday- The Moulin Rouge
On October 1st, we are focusing on the history and myth surrounding the famed Moulin Rouge Hotel on the Westside of Las Vegas.
The hotel opened in 1955 as the first integrated hotel and casino in town. The opening night was attended by some of the biggest names in entertainment. Everyone had high hopes for this wonderfully designed (by Walter Zick and Harris Sharp) hotel with its giant, neon-script sign (designed by Betty Willis).
The hotel seemed to flourish and stories have been handed down over the years of deserted casinos on the Strip late at night because everyone was at the Moulin Rouge gambling, hanging out and enjoying the jam sessions and the late, late show.
In less than two years, it was closed. Rumors have been rife for years of the mob being involved, of financial improprieties and more.
On Thursday, Oct, 1st, we will try to distinquish fact from fiction, history from myth and try to discern what really happened.
Joining us on the panel will be:
Carrie Pollard, dancer who performed at the Moulin Rouge back in 1955
Trish Geran, local author who focuses on the African-American stories of Las Vegas and who's grandmother ran one of the most famous boarding rooms for African-American performers.
Claytee White, director of the Oral History Research Center at UNLV,
Richard Taylor, local historian who has written two books on the history of the Rouge.
Also, I will have a DVD presentation with rare and rarely seen photos of the Moulin Rouge on opening day.
Thursday, Oct. 1st
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
Desert Learning Center
6:30 pm
Admission $9 (note the new lower price!), (discount tickets available if you buy the next three months).
We hope to see you there!
Photos from the Jay Florian Mitchell collection, courtesy of the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas
LasVegasLynn
in Cultural Tourism, Current Day, Las Vegas History, Las Vegas Neighborhoods, Las Vegas Strip, Memories, Mid-Century Modern, Preservation Issues, Untold Stories, Westside Las Vegas
|
Post a Comment
Beyond the Mint- Bus is Full, Stand by List started
It's official, the bus is full!
Our big event on Saturday, "Beyond the Mint: The Mid-Century Modern Architecture of Walter Zick", is shaping up to be a lot of fun.
Reservations for the bus tour have been streaming into the RSVP phone line for the last two weeks and as of this weekend, the bus is full.
We have started a stand-by list in case anyone who has made a reservation for the bus tour is unable to attend.
We are thrilled at the excitement and response we have been getting.
To recap:
11:30 am - Reception
12:00 pm - Panel Discussion featuring a DVD presentation by Lynn Zook (LasVegasLynn), a short talk by Alan Hess with an accompanying slide presentation followed by a round table discussion with Alan, Eric Strain of Assemblage Studios and Karen Zick Goff and Claire Zick Walker, daughters of Walter Zick.
The roundtable discussion will be moderated by Lynn and will include a question and answer segment with the audience.
$3 for the Reception and Panel Discussion, reservations are NOT required but it does sound like it will be SRO so don't be late.
1:30 pm - We begin loading the bus.
2:00 pm - Bus Tour begins
6:30 pm - Bus returns to the Nevada State Museum
$5 for the bus tour, a color tour booklet is included in the price.
We are currently taking names for the stand-by list as the bus is full.
Saturday, October 3rd
Nevada State Museum
700 Twin Lakes Dr
Lorenzi Park
We hope to see you there!
This event is made possible by the support of Nevada Humanities, Nevada State Museum, Friends of Classic Las Vegas, VeryVintageVegas.com, Atomic Age Alliance, Junior League of Las Vegas and Brian "Paco" Alvarez.
Special thanks to Eric Lynxwiler for designing the tour poster and booklet.
Special thanks to the Nevada State Museum for use of the image on today's post.
LasVegasLynn
in Cultural Tourism, Current Day, Historic Homes, Historical, Las Vegas History, Las Vegas Neighborhoods, Mid-Century Modern
|
1 Comment
