Mid Century Modern

“Four Houses” On The Learning Channel Seeks Mid Century Modern Homes In Las Vegas

September 11th, 2012 Categories: Mid Century Modern

I’ve been asked by The Learning Channel’s “Four Houses” show to help them find Mid Century Modern Homes in Las Vegas that are worthy of being on their show.

In case you are unfamiliar, Four Houses just had it’s first season on TLC. The show asks four homeowners to critique the style, decor, and originality of each other’s homes, and rank them based on four criteria. In the end, the homeowner with the highest score wins a prize. This year, the prize per episode is $10,000.

 

The flyer (click it to see it full size) says to email them pictures and contact information. If you make that first cut, then they’ll ask you to fill out an application and arrange an interview. 

Everyone thinks I know all the cool retro Mid Mod Homes in Las Vegas. Even though I’ve been in more of them than anyone else, I don’t know everyone – as much as I’d like to. I’m sure there’s many many homes that I don’t know about that could be perfect for an episode of “Four Houses”. If you want to get the ball rolling, then follow the directions in the flyer. 

Most of their shows that have been filmed so far are either way out bizarre homes, or “beautifully” decorated suburban McMansions. This time they’re looking for Mid Century Modern Homes – tastefully done in authentic or retro era-proper decor. If there’s enough qualified entries, then they might even do a second episode.  If you’re as proud of your Mid Mod home and furnishings as I am of mine….. lets find out who has the best one.

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 1 Comment »

Las Vegas Mid Century Modern Weekend – Tickets Are Still Available

October 21st, 2011 Categories: Mid Century Modern

There’s still limited tickets available for the remaining events of the Las Vegas Mid Century Modern Weekend.

 

This year, the weekend is called “POP, BOOM – A LIFESTYLE REVOLUTION”. It’s being put on by ADAS the Architectural and Decorative Arts Society of Las Vegas.

 

I will be personally conducting and narrating the Mid Century Modern BUS TOUR on Sunday Afternoon, and I’d love for you to go with us. This year – we’ll be touring thru the historic Mid Century Modern Neighborhoods of Las Vegas.

 

Tickets for the bus tour are $30.00 and you can get yours at the ADAS-LV website.

 

Saturday’s panel discussions and the Cuban inspired reception at the MORELLI HOUSE are FREE and are  co-sponsored by the Vegas Valley Book Festival.

 

Again – TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ADAS WEBSITE – ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW! Last year the bus tour sold out on the day before the tour.

 

Below is the agenda of the remaining events that start tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The ADAS Mid-Century Modern Weekend Of Events In Las Vegas

September 27th, 2011 Categories: Mid Century Modern

The annual celebration of Mid-Century Modern architecture and lifestyle returns in October. I was thrilled that ADAS took total control of planning and organizing the event. My role this year is merely to conduct the bus tour. Last year it was the first event to sell out.

I hope you can make it to all or some of the events. Tickets to the Las Vegas Mid-Century Modern Weekend are on sale now.   

 

POP, BOOM LIFESTYLE REVOLUTION

ADAS Mid-Century Modern Weekend

Wednesday, October 19 – Sunday, October 23, 2011

ADAS (Architecture and Decorative Arts Society) celebrates all
things mid-century modern with an extraordinary five day event.
A pass for all five days is a very reasonable $100; $90 for ADAS
members. Included is the kick off mixer, general admission to
the Atomic Testing Museum, mid-century vendors; mid-century
architectural seminar; mid-century dinner; fashion show; silent
auction; three mid-century discussion panels; Morelli House
reception; four-hour mid-century neighborhood bus tour. Visit
ADAS website at www.adas-lv.com to purchase your tickets. Space
is limited on most events.

Wednesday, October 19

ADAS kicks off the mid-modern experience by hosting a mixer at the
Atomic Testing Museum, 5:30 – 7:30. Guests will have a lot to entertain
themselves for the evening. A ticket for admission to the museum will
be included in the price of the mixer. Guests can take the tour that
evening, or can return at a later date. The Museum store will also be
open for shopping. There will be food and wine in the main reception
area, along with vendors previewing products that were popular in the
50s and 60s.

Event price: $30.00

Thursday, October 20

Again at the Atomic Testing Museum, ADAS is hosting a seminar

primarily for homeowners on the evolution and care of these historic
buildings. Speakers with hands on experience in this genre of distinctive
houses will share their knowledge. Food and wine will be provided.
Vendors who specialize in mid-modern architecture will also be on
hand.

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Event Price: $30.00

Friday, October 21

A mid-century dinner will be held at Holsum Lofts, catered by Lola’s
Restaurant. In addition to enjoying foods of the time period, diners will
enjoy mid-century fashions in a multi-generational fashion show. There
will also be a silent auction to tease the senses. Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Event Price: $50.00

Saturday, October 22

The El Cortez Hotel will be the venue for this free event co-sponsored
by the City of Las Vegas. There will be food and drink, followed
by three expert panels. After the panel presentation there will be a
reception at the Morelli House.

1:00 pm “Mid-Century Life Style Evolution” Local author and
architect, Robert Fielden (Creating Place: Remaking America Green )
leads a discussion with author and architectural historian, Peter Moruzzi
and others on the profound impact of midcentury design and architecture
on American life in the middle of the 20th century.

2:00 pm “Family Feud: Havana vs. Las Vegas in the 1950s” Peter
Moruzzi, presents an illustrated presentation from his book, Havana
Before Castro-When Cuba Was a Tropical Playground. Before Castro’s
revolution, Havana and Las Vegas were rivals for the title of the “Monte
Carlo of the Americas.” Cuba’s exotic tropical setting, wild reputation,
close proximity, and supportive government inspired the mob to

invest heavily in fabulous hotel-casinos such as the Capri, Riviera, and
Nacional. Yet, many of these same investors were also among Vegas’
biggest boosters – Moe Dalitz, Sam Tucker, and front man Wilbur
Clark. In 1958, the Nevada Gaming Control Board forced them to
choose, Havana or Las Vegas, but not both.

3:00 pm “Dolls, Dons, and Dictators,” Architectural historian,
Peter Moruzzi (Havana Before Castro – When Cuba Was a Tropical
Playground); author Wendy Watson (Vegas Rag Doll); Myer Lansky II;
and local author and historian Michael Green engage in a spirited and
expanded discussion about the parallel worlds of Las Vegas and Cuba,
drawing from their insights and some of their own personal real life
experiences.

4:00 pm – 6 pm “Cha, Cha, Cha” Cuban inspired reception with music,
drink and refreshment at the Morelli House, 861 E. Bridger.

Sunday, October 23

Hosted by well known realtor and mid-century modern real estate expert
Jack LeVine, guests will take a four-hour tour on an open double-decker
bus through iconic mid-century Las Vegas neighborhoods. In addition
to touring neighborhoods, the bus will make several stops to peek inside
select properties. Bus will depart and return to parking lot at Boulevard
Mall. Time: 12 noon – 4 pm.

Event Price: $30.00

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Historic Mid Century Modern Las Vegas Construction Photos That Need To Be Identified

August 15th, 2011 Categories: Mid Century Modern, Mystery House Series

Our Secret Mystery Historian needs our help again. Here’s 3 photos that we need to identify. All of them are from either the late 50’s or early 60’s during the heyday of what we now call Mid Century Modern Architecture. I’m sure some of you will recognize enough clues in each picture to help us figure it out.

These photos are not for reproduction, or for use in any capacity except by express written consent from VeryVintageVegas.

If you click the thumbnails, they’ll expand to a much bigger size, and may take a few extra seconds to load due to the size of the originals.

 

The first one is pretty easy, as it has a major element of Mid Century Modern architecture and design. It’s interesting to see the asymmetrical shapes of the homes, and some of the elements of the design starting to merge. I’m also fascinated by the depth of field that causes the mountains to loom so large.

Which direction are we facing? What are the 2 non-residential buildings that are in the picture? What streets might these be?

 

 

The second picture is one of our historic Mid Century Modern Schools in Las Vegas. It’s not finished enough to look like any school I recognize. I wish they’d taken the photo from above the chain link fence rather than thru it, but unless someone wants to photoshop the fence away, we’ll have to work with what we have.

 

 

 

 

 Our third picture is a mid century modern neighborhood somewhere in Central Vintage Vegas.

I’m totally baffled. The only thing I’ve decided for sure is that the open pathway between the homes is not the street, but is instead the area that will eventually be backyards. But I could be wrong.

These seem to be mostly ranch style homes, compared to the “desert modern” themes of the first picture.

Please use the comment button to give us your guesses, clues and observations.

 

If you’d like to see the other “mystery photos” that our secret historian has found over the years, they’re all here in this link. This post will show up first, but keep scrolling down.

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 8 Comments »

Rental Properties In The Downtown Historic Neighborhoods Of Las Vegas

June 13th, 2011 Categories: Mid Century Modern

Amongst the far too many things I’ve neglected to blog about during the last few months is that I’ve left Keller Williams Realty. The exciting part of that news is that I’ve joined forces with Jason Delk and we’ve created our own brokerage – Bella Vegas Homes Realty.

Jason is also a downtown neighbor and currently is the Vice President of the Southridge Neighborhood Association. Jason is a permitted property manager, though I’m not. Property Management is considered a specialty classification, and also requires a real estate license. Jason is managing property for homeowners and investors all over Las Vegas. I’m helping with the homes in “Vintage Vegas”.

Renting and leasing, like buying and selling, are 2 sided transactions. The landlord usually doesn’t know the laws, how to screen the tenants, and can get totally overloaded with the details of leasing their property. The tenants on the other hand, want to know that any problems can get resolved quickly and easily, and that their deposits weren’t used for other expenses. Property Managers take care of everything – for both the landlord and the tenant.

The  rental market has changed dramatically in the recent months. Many of the homes being bought as foreclosures are now on the market as “fixed up” rentals. Far too many current tenants are being told they have to move when their landlord goes into foreclosure. Many of the people who were once owners and have lost their homes are in the rental market. Rental prices have dropped slightly from where they were a year ago, as there’s slightly more rentals available than tenants who are looking for them. The well managed, interesting and properly priced rentals don’t stay on the market long. That’s something that’s never changed.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that prospective tenants be very wary of properties that are NOT managed by professional property managers. Craigslist is full of scammers. I often hear of stories where the same house has been rented to multiple people at the same time. Often it’s on the weekend before the “landlord” loses the house to foreclosure. Be very wary. Property managers are required to disclose the true status of the home in regard to the owners late payments or foreclosures status.

All of the homes and condos that are listed in the MLS are handled by Realtors. Even Realtors like me, who are not property managers can list the properties and assist in finding the tenants, and even though we’re not property managers, we still have to obey the law, and treat people honestly and fairly.

The MLS SEARCH function at VeryVintageVegas has the ability to help you search for rentals, but you have to tell it to do so. In the property types – you can scroll down to “Rental”. It’s also a good place for future landlords to get a feel for what they can rent their home for. The mapping function can help you isolate certain areas or neighborhoods by drawing a box and allowing the map to narrow your search.

If you want to talk about renting out your home – Contact Jason Delk [email protected]  702–203–2722

If you’re searching for a new home to rent, contact me, Jack LeVine [email protected] 702–378–7055

If you’re buying or selling – again, it’s Jack LeVine who can help you.

Mid Century Modern Rentals In The Historic Downtown Las Vegas Neighborhoods

Here’s two of the Mid Century Modern properties that Jason and I are representing. We’re looking for great tenants who want to rent from a great property manager.

1808 8^th Place – A classic Mid Century “Desert” Modern home. In fact it’s one of the homes that was on my “list of 13” that I have considered buying myself over the years.

All the pictures are available in our featured property section in the left column, or this link will take you right to them.

It’s a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, and is offered at $995/month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2201 Santa Paula Avenue

Lovingly restored to its original Mid Century Modern glory.

1 year lease at 1085/month – Available August 1^st.

 

 

All the pictures are available in our featured property section in the left column, or this link will take you right to them.

 

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 1 Comment »

Historic Morelli House – Downtown Las Vegas – To Hold Spring Open House

May 10th, 2011 Categories: Historic Preservation, Mid Century Modern

 

 

 

 

May is Historic Preservation Month. Among the events is the one that’s always my favorite isThe Morelli House Open House. If you’ve never been to the Morelli House, it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.   

The Morelli House, which is the crown jewel of the Mid Century Modern Preservation movement in Las Vegas will be holding it’s spring open house on Sunday, May 15^th from 1 to 4pm. They’re also holding a simultaneous art fair which will showcase works that depict Las Vegas History and Landscapes.

The flyer below is clickable to see if full size.

The Morelli House was rescued by the Junior League. It originally was the home of famed Sands Hotel Band Leader Antonio Morelli, and was located at the the Desert Inn Country Club.

The back story about Antonio Morelli, the home, the rescue and relocation to downtown are all available in this link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fun Features Found In Foreclosures – One Of The Iconic Mid Century Modern Homes Of Las Vegas

April 20th, 2011 Categories: Fun Features Found In Foreclosures, Mid Century Modern

When it comes to Mid Century Modern Homes in the Historic Neighborhoods Of Las Vegas…..

You can’t beat the new one that was listed today. I’ve been watching and waiting for it for several months now.

I’m on my way to see it now, but the pictures in the MLS do tell the story. And – the agent actually took good pictures!

It’s had the kitchens and bathrooms gutted, so there’s no way for it to go to anyone who doesn’t have some big bucks left over after the purchase. I really want this to go to a true Mid Century Modern affectionado.

At $154,900 there’s bound to be a bidding war! I fear it falling into the hands of someone who thinks it should become “summerlinized”. Send a Text or email or call me if you want the address. 378–7055 [email protected]

More about it tomorrow! 

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 2 Comments »

How To Learn All About Mid Century Modern And The Historic Neighborhoods Of Las Vegas

October 19th, 2010 Categories: Mid Century Modern

 

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE! ORDER NOW TO INSURE

 

PAYPAL LINKS ARE BELOW – AFTER THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

TICKETS ARE LIMITED TO EACH EVENT.  TICKETS AT THE DOOR ARE AVAILABLE AS SPACE ALLOWS

 

 

Mid Mod Marvels:

 A Celebration of Mid Century Modern Architecture and Design

  

Friends of Classic Las Vegas (FCLV) and the Architectural and Decorative Arts Society of Las Vegas (ADAS) are pleased to announce a weekend of programming devoted to Las Vegas’ rich heritage of midcentury modern architecture and design, October 22-24, 2010.

 

As the Las Vegas community looks for ways to celebrate its rich and exciting history with residents and visitors alike, its significant architectural resources should not be overlooked.  MidMod Marvels is intended to make the citizens of Las Vegas aware of the architectural gems that are in their own backyard.

 

The event will highlight a number of historic neighborhoods and businesses whose architecture was designed by or influenced by midcentury modern designs, including the work of architects Wayne McAllister (El Cortez and Fremont Hotels), William Krisel (Paradise Palms), Paul Revere Williams (Berkley Square, La Concha) and Welton Beckett (McCarran Airport) as well as local architects like Walter Zick, Harris Sharp, Hugh Taylor and others.

 

MidMod Marvels is an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in a design era that has, in recent years, resurfaced in popular culture.  Tapping into this current trend and linking it to its historical roots in Las Vegas will ensure a fun, educational, and exciting event with broad appeal. 

 

The weekend’s schedule of events is below.  Tickets for the entire weekend and for individual events are available at www.adas-lv.com.   

 

Friday, October 22^nd     The Morelli House 861 E. Bridger Ave.

 

5:30 pm—“Living the MidMod Lifestyle” Party: Featuring music from the era, food, drinks, and a history of the Morelli House and its place in mid-century modern Las Vegas, presented by visiting architect and author Alan Hess.  Co-hosted by the Junior League of Las Vegas.

 

Saturday, October 23^rd Las Vegas National Golf Course Clubhouse 1911 E. Desert Inn Rd.

1: 00 pm—Mid-Century Modern Architecture, Design and Las Vegas 

Panelists include Alan Hess, architect William Krisel, Chris Nichols and Dr. Robert Tracy talking about the influence of architects such as Welton Beckett, Wayne McAllister and Paul Revere Williams on local architects such as Walter Zick, Harris Sharp, Hugh Taylor and the influence of Mid-Century design on Las Vegas.

3:00 PM-A Look Back at the Las Vegas News Bureau:

The Las Vegas News Bureau helped put Las Vegas on the map in the Mid-Century Modern era.  The photographers captured not only the stars of the era but also the buildings and hotels of the era, most of which are gone or altered way beyond their original design.  Panelists will include:  former News Bureau manager, Don Payne.

 

6:30 PM—Film Screeening: The Las Vegas premiere of William Krisel, Architect, including a question and answer session with Mr. Krisel, the co-designer of Paradise Palms, moderated by Alan Hess.

 

Sunday, October 24^th Narrated Bus Tour will depart from the Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 821 Las Vegas Boulevard North

 

12PM—Narrated Bus Tour: A neighborhood tour of the midcentury modern architecture of Las Vegas, including stops at selected houses.  Tour will depart from the Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 821 Las Vegas Boulevard North

 

 

 

3 Day Event Pass $50.00	Friday Evening’s Reception $25.00	All Saturday’s Events $20.00	Sunday Bus Tour $20.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate Sponsors Include: 

 

 www.VeryVintageVegas.com

 

 

 

Retro-Vegas www.Retro-Vegas.com

 

 

 

El Cortez Hotel And Casino  www.ecvegas.com

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Junior Leage of Las Vegas

www.jllv.org

 

 

 

 

 

Terry Wilsey – A Answer On Travel and Cruisaholics Travel Agency 702–731–2114 [email protected]

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Programming Notes For The Mid Mod Madness And Mondo Lounge Weekend Of Events

October 6th, 2010 Categories: Architecture, Events, Mid Century Modern

I’m very proud to be one of the corporate sponsors – as well as having been on the planning committee with the fabulous folks at Classic Las Vegas and the Architecural and Decorative Arts Society of Las Vegas

 

William Krisel AIA is the guest of honor for the Mid Mod Madness Weekend 

SPECIAL guest of honor is Mr. William Krisel – noted architect of more than 40,000 mid century modern homes and commercial buildings in California. Approximately 300 of his designs are in the Paradise Palms Neighborhood of Las Vegas. We’ve posted the movie trailer before, but here it is again.

Design On Screen is responsible for this and other documentaries about noted regional architects of the modernist movement. I’m featured in the film from when I organized the Las Vegas segment.

The Las Vegas Premier of this documentary is Saturday Night October 23 as part of the Mid Mod Madness weekend. Mr. Krisel will also be on the 1pm Saturday afternoon panel; will attend the Friday evening cocktail party at the Morelli house; and will do a private Q and A following the movie. The complete schedule of events and links to buy tickets are in this post, or scroll down several posts.

William Krisel, Architect from Design Onscreen on Vimeo.

 

Fall Open House of the Morelli House.

There’s something for everyone this weekend. The Morelli house will be open to the public for a free tour on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 from 1pm to 4pm. Phone or email reservations are suggested at 822–6536 or [email protected] .

A special show “Remains of the Day” is on exhibit at the Morelli House

“Remains of the Day” is an exhibit featuring photographs of mid-century modern buildings in Las Vegas that have escaped the wrecking ball and still exist as a reminder of our city’s rich mid-century architectural heritage. The Nevada State Museum Las Vegas has loaned Junior League selected images from its archives, most of which come from the collection of renowned photographer Jay Florian Mitchell. Mitchell moved to Las Vegas from New York in the mid-1950s, and for the following 25 years carefully documented the growth and development of his adopted home. The Nevada State Museum Las Vegas, located in Lorenzi Park, is currently showcasing a special exhibit on Mid-Century Modern Las Vegas which includes several dozen of Mitchell’s most distinguished images, as well as period domestic and aesthetic artifacts.

The Mid Century Modern Bus Tour Of Vintage Las Vegas Homes And Historic Neighborhoods

I’ve written and arranged the itinary of the bus tour. This year the primary focus will be the mid century modern homes of Vintage Las Vegas as well as the historic neighborhoods. We’ve arranged to tour the insides of two very special homes, and one of the finest examples of unique Mid Century Modern commercial – the club house at the Las Vegas Country Club.

 

3 Day Event Pass $50.00	Friday Evening’s Reception $25.00	All Saturday’s Events $20.00	Sunday Bus Tour $20.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mondo Lounge Returns To Las Vegas

The same weekend – At The Palms Hotel – MONDO LOUNGE

 

There’s plenty of time to bounce back and forth so you can catch all the events at both Mid Mod Madness and Mondo Lounge.

Mondo Lounge goes on into the late night for some raucous partying!

Famed Mid Mod Artist SHAG is the special guest host for the entire weekend at Mondo Lounge.

Here’s the direct link to the Mondo Lounge Schedule and to Paypal to buy your ticket.

Between Mid Mod Madness and Mondo Lounge we’ve planned a full blown Las Vegas Modernism weekend. We hope to see you at both events.

 

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 2 Comments »

Mid Mod Marvels: A Celebration of Mid Century Modern Architecture And Design

October 5th, 2010 Categories: Events, Mid Century Modern

 

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!

 

PAYPAL LINKS ARE BELOW – AFTER THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

TICKETS ARE LIMITED TO EACH EVENT.

 

Mid Mod Marvels:

 A Celebration of Mid Century Modern Architecture and Design

  

Friends of Classic Las Vegas (FCLV) and the Architectural and Decorative Arts Society of Las Vegas (ADAS) are pleased to announce a weekend of programming devoted to Las Vegas’ rich heritage of midcentury modern architecture and design, October 22-24, 2010.

 

As the Las Vegas community looks for ways to celebrate its rich and exciting history with residents and visitors alike, its significant architectural resources should not be overlooked.  MidMod Marvels is intended to make the citizens of Las Vegas aware of the architectural gems that are in their own backyard.

 

The event will highlight a number of historic neighborhoods and businesses whose architecture was designed by or influenced by midcentury modern designs, including the work of architects Wayne McAllister (El Cortez and Fremont Hotels), William Krisel (Paradise Palms), Paul Revere Williams (Berkley Square, La Concha) and Welton Beckett (McCarran Airport) as well as local architects like Walter Zick, Harris Sharp, Hugh Taylor and others.

 

MidMod Marvels is an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in a design era that has, in recent years, resurfaced in popular culture.  Tapping into this current trend and linking it to its historical roots in Las Vegas will ensure a fun, educational, and exciting event with broad appeal. 

 

The weekend’s schedule of events is below.  Tickets for the entire weekend and for individual events are available at www.adas-lv.com.   

 

Friday, October 22^nd     The Morelli House 861 E. Bridger Ave.

 

5:30 pm—“Living the MidMod Lifestyle” Party: Featuring music from the era, food, drinks, and a history of the Morelli House and its place in mid-century modern Las Vegas, presented by visiting architect and author Alan Hess.  Co-hosted by the Junior League of Las Vegas.

 

Saturday, October 23^rd Las Vegas National Golf Course Clubhouse 1911 E. Desert Inn Rd.

1: 00 pm—Mid-Century Modern Architecture, Design and Las Vegas 

Panelists include Alan Hess, architect William Krisel, Chris Nichols and Dr. Robert Tracy talking about the influence of architects such as Welton Beckett, Wayne McAllister and Paul Revere Williams on local architects such as Walter Zick, Harris Sharp, Hugh Taylor and the influence of Mid-Century design on Las Vegas.

3:00 PM-A Look Back at the Las Vegas News Bureau:

The Las Vegas News Bureau helped put Las Vegas on the map in the Mid-Century Modern era.  The photographers captured not only the stars of the era but also the buildings and hotels of the era, most of which are gone or altered way beyond their original design.  Panelists will include:  former News Bureau manager, Don Payne.

 

6:30 PM—Film Screeening: The Las Vegas premiere of William Krisel, Architect, including a question and answer session with Mr. Krisel, the co-designer of Paradise Palms, moderated by Alan Hess.

 

Sunday, October 24^th.  Narrated Bus Tour will depart from the Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 821 Las Vegas Boulevard North

 

12PM—Narrated Bus Tour: A neighborhood tour of the midcentury modern architecture of Las Vegas, including stops at selected houses.  Tour will depart from the Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 821 Las Vegas Boulevard North.

 

3 Day Event Pass $50.00	Friday Evening’s Reception $25.00	All Saturday’s Events $20.00	Sunday Bus Tour $20.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate Sponsors Include:

 

 www.VeryVintageVegas.com

 

 

 

Retro-Vegas www.Retro-Vegas.com

 

 

 

El Cortez Hotel And Casino  www.ecvegas.com

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Junior Leage of Las Vegas

www.jllv.org

 

 

 

 

 

Terry Wilsey – A Answer On Travel and Cruisaholics Travel Agency 702–731–2114 [email protected]

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently No Comments »

“Mid Mod Marvels” – A Celebration of Mid Century Modern Architecture and Design

September 14th, 2010 Categories: Mid Century Modern

One of the many things I’m juggling is being on the planning committee for the soon to be announced Mid Mod Madness weekend in Las Vegas.

Most of the details have been finalized for the weekend of October 22 – 24. The formal announcement and ticket sales will be next week. In the mean while, we have a facebook page. If you like it, can you help us spread the word?

Friends of Classic Las Vegas and the Architectural and Decorative Arts Society of Las Vegas invite you to a weekend of all things mid century modern, including parties, panels, a film screening, and another installment of last year’s popular bus tour of local architectural gems.

Kicking off Friday, October 22nd with a Mid Mod party at downtown Las Vegas’ Morelli House, the weekend will include panel discussions and a film screening of “William Krisel, Architect” on Saturday at the Las Vegas National Golf Course, and a half-day bus tour on Sunday that will include stops at several mid century modern homes.

More details (including ticket info) to follow. Mark your calendar–this is one weekend you won’t want to miss!

Not coincidentally…

MONDO LOUNGE 3

It’s also the weekend of the “MONDO LOUNGE 3” at the Palms hotel.

Sophisticated, classy, fun, high-brow, vintage vendors and top notch talent circa
1957-1963. Think of Playboy’s Penthouse or or a Blake Edwards movie ala The Party or the early Pink Panthers or an awesome party scene from Mad Men.

WHAT MONDO LOUNGE IS: Mid Century Modernism, Classic Las Vegas, Hollywood glamour, lounge culture, Rat Pack shennanigans, Martinis, cocktails, vintage fashion, space age, atomic age, exotica (ala Les Ba…xter, Esquivel), the fox trot, Eames era style, 1950s, 1960s style, Bachelor Pad, minks and black tie, Sean Connery era James Bond, sterophonic sound, nightclub acts ala the Hot Box Girls. And also… Tiki, Disneyland, masons, fezzes, Betty Crocker cookery, Pristine restored or original condition Classic Car culture, mai tais, Mods and Scooters, classic pinups, swing dancing, 1940s style, Elvis, gogo girls.

WHAT MONDO LOUNGE IS NOT: Surf, rockabilly, tatoos, low brow, 1930s style, 1970s style, burlesque, hot rods and rock n’roll. (Not that there’s anything wrong with those genres, but there are plenty o’events that cover those communities.) This event is something else…

SAVE THE DATES!!! This is the event you’ve been waiting for… Produced by M Modern Gallery and LottaLiving.com

 

And that Sunday Afternoon (not by coincidence, either) is the fall open house at The Morelli House. The Morelli House is the crown jewel (to date) of Mid Century Modern preservation in Las Vegas.

Public Invited to Annual Fall Open House at the Morelli House: October 24
Las Vegas Mid-Century Celebration Weekend

The Junior League of Las Vegas will once again open its historic mid-century Morelli House located at 821 East Bridger Avenue for guided tours at its annual Fall Public Open House on Sunday, Oct 24, 1:00-3:00 PM    The open house event, which is free and open to the general public, will feature a special photo exhibit entitled “Remains of the Day” from the architectural photo collection of the Nevada State Museum Las Vegas and the Junior League’s “Morelli Models” wearing fashions from its mid-century vintage clothing collection.  Phone or email reservations are requested, 822-6536, or visit [email protected]. The Morelli Open House is one of several community events the weekend of Oct 22-24 celebrating the abundant mid-century cultural and architectural heritage found in Las Vegas.

“Remains of the Day” is an exhibit featuring photographs of mid-century modern buildings in Las Vegas that have escaped the wrecking ball and still exist as a reminder of our city’s rich mid-century architectural heritage. The Nevada State Museum Las Vegas has loaned Junior League selected images from its archives, most of which come from the collection of renowned photographer Jay Florian Mitchell. Mitchell moved to Las Vegas from New York in the mid-1950s, and for the following 25 years carefully documented the growth and development of his adopted home. The Nevada State Museum Las Vegas, located in Lorenzi Park, is currently showcasing a special exhibit on Mid-Century Modern Las Vegas which includes several dozen of Mitchell’s most distinguished images, as well as period domestic and aesthetic artifacts.
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The public open house at the Morelli House is one of several Las Vegas mid-century events being held during the weekend of Oct 22-24.  A “Mid-Mod Marvels Weekend” convention is being co-sponsored by The Architectural and Decorative Arts Society (ADAS) and the Friends of Classic Las Vegas.  It will include presentations by architectural historians, Alan Hess and William Krisel, along with a bus tour of notable mid-century structures and other activities.  For more information about the “Mid-Mod Marvels” weekend call 236-9483 or email adaslv.com. Information can also be found on each organization’s Facebook page.   Another mid-century event, Mondo Lounge III, is being held at the Palms Hotel that will create an immersive environment of mid-century American culture featuring Rat Pack music, Mid Century displays and guest appearances by mid-century celebrities and entertainers.  SHAG is the official host and will be there in person. For more information about Mondo Lounge III contact [email protected] or call 818-789-5321.

 

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Some More Catching Up – Mid Century Modern Landscaping And Beautiful Things In Las Vegas

May 13th, 2010 Categories: Mid Century Modern

Mid Century Modern Landscaping

Our favorite Mid Mod Blogger — Pam at RetroRenovation.com has started a series on Mid Century Modern Landscaping. I totally pleased that she’s going to do this topic. It’s one I’ve always wanted to do, but the emphasis in Las Vegas has been on xeroscape/desert/low water landscaping. Hopefully we can learn some fundamentals of the era, and blend it with the requirements of desert landscaping.

In her interview with Ted Clearly, a Landscape Architect, she asks about those fundamentals…..

For this first story, can you tell us, in general, what are the key, foundational elements or drivers of mid-century landscape design. Like… the theory behind it… that residential homeowners should be thinking of?

Well, I think we can look at it in a couple of ways; traditional homes had one ‘look’, but mid-century modern ones quite another.  With the latter, a seamless quality between inside and outside was an integral aspect of mid-century modern architecture, and there’s a very recognizable vocabulary of rectilinear patios, clean lines, and bold curving shapes with no focal point or symmetry.  Influential landscape architects such as Garrett Eckbo were strongly influenced by the abstract painters of the mid-century.

But as Pam has pointed out, most of these modest post-war homes instead reflected a traditional style, whether we’re talking about a Cape Cod, a neo-Colonial, or a rambler.  If you carefully study garden books of the ‘40s and ‘50s, when you scrutinize the black and white or fading color photos, you’ll see that the better landscaping really was not a lot different than what we garden designers today think of as basic, sound design principles:  overlapping plant masses, interesting specimens, a sense of ‘movement and rest’, and entertaining areas using hardscaping materials and geometries in sympathy with their house’s style.  We could speculate that our parents and grandparents, having weathered a deep, sobering Depression and the full-on sacrifices of a second World War, were looking for the comfort of traditional styles in both their homes and the landscaping that surrounded it, but in a simpler and more affordable version geared toward the middle class.  There seemed to be a bit more emphasis on bright circus-like colors with big Dahlias, Hollyhocks and high-maintenance Hybrid Tea Roses, yet designs tended to be a bit more ‘tight’. Today’s trend, by comparison, introduces somewhat relaxed, native perennials and shrubs, which have become more mainstream not just for the aesthetics but the environmental aspects of water conservation and so on, which of course was virtually a non-existent concern back then.  One easily-overlooked aspect of mid-century garden design is what’s not included:  the sorts of materials like stackable concrete block walls or vinyl fencing that weren’t around back then, and an absence of the over-the-top luxury added to so many expensive backyards in recent pre-Recession times.  It’s interesting to me how the influences of Modern design crept into the look of many otherwise-traditional gardens, no doubt because of popular magazines like Sunset, in a similar way to the merchant builders who cobbled together different features they admired into their hybrid home styles.

As Pam is famous for saying…..”Heck Yea there is more” and still more to come.

 

SEVEN Magazine’s 50 Beautiful Things In Las Vegas

Vintage, Retro and Downtown things that get a nod include:

Luv-It Custard, The Neon Boneyard, Cleveland Clinic/Lou Ruvo/Frank Geary, The 5^th Street School, The Holiday Motel Sign, The Jersey Boys, The Golden Gate Hotel, World Market Center,

Here’s the whole list from SEVEN magazine

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“Mid Century Modern Las Vegas” Exhibit At Nevada State Museum

April 3rd, 2010 Categories: Mid Century Modern

The opening reception for the new exhibit at the Nevada State Museum – “Mid Century Modern Las Vegas” will be on April 24^th.

VeryVintageVegas readers are invited, and need to RSVP to [email protected]

J. Florian Mitchell was a photographer in Las Vegas during the 50’s and 60’s. When he passed away recently, his heirs found dozens of boxes of photos taken during the heyday of Mid Century Modern everything. The first few boxes were thrown away before they realized what they had.

The remaining boxes of the collection were donated to the Nevada State Museum, and my friends Lynn Zook and Dennis McBride have been going through the collection for over a year. There’s photos of just about every building in Las Vegas during that era. The best of the Mid Mod will be on display along with Mid Century Modern domestic and decorative arts.

Even if you can’t attend the reception, this is an exhibit that you won’t want to miss. I’m checking on the run dates for the “Mid Century Modern Las Vegas” exhibit and will update this post and do another when we have more information.

The Museum is located in historic Lorenzi Park
700 Twin Lakes Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89107
Phone: (702) 486-5205

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The Mystery Mid Century Modern Homes Of Las Vegas –

March 22nd, 2010 Categories: Las Vegas History, Mid Century Modern, Mystery House Series

 

Anyone recognize this building? It would be a very cool Mid Century Modern home, but maybe it an office building? I don’t have any idea.

The address is 1391.

It’s one of the mystery pictures from February 1960. All of the pictures in this series are from a single roll of film that our anonymous historian dug up. Some are houses, but there’s also apartment buildings, commercial buildings, and a strip hotel. I’ll be sharing them all with you in the coming days, and perhaps you can help us identify the locations. The whole series will be categorized as “Mystery House Series”, in the left column.

The decorative concrete block sunscreen is a fairly common pattern that we’ve found in Las Vegas. The blocks are a staple of Mid Century Modern architecture. . This pattern was number 44 in the series that we ran of all the various patterns that I’ve ever found in Las Vegas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Plan 8 – The Last Of The William Krisel Designed Models Of Paradise Palms

March 12th, 2010 Categories: Mid Century Modern, Paradise Palms, Paradise Palms 1962 Brochures and Newsletters

This is the last of the series showing the original 1963 sales brochures of the William Krisel designed homes of Paradise Palms.

I’m just intelligently guessing that about 300 of the 1044 homes in Paradise Palms were Krisel designs. Irwin Molasky’s Paradise Development Company developed the entire master planned community, and directly built the Krisel homes. There were other construction companies that built some of the “units” of Paradise Palms.

For example, in the first of the newsletters, we learned that the whole section north of Desert Inn, between Camelback Road and  Eastern Ave. were built by Miranti Homes. These 83 homes in Unit 11 were concrete block, ranch style homes with pitched roofs or flat roofs, and sunken living rooms.

The same article told us that “Unit 10” (which is the Tioga finger into the golf course), and “Unit 12” (the first few homes on the streets west of Spencer) were the work of Secrest Construction, who dubbed a group of 77 homes as the Americana Series. I think these were the ranch houses west of Spencer.  

I have no clue if Irwin Molasky’s Paradise Homes actually built the rest of the homes in his development. If anyone else has a clue or some history for me, please email or call me.

Plan 8 was the largest of the Bill Krisel Designs. It was 1900 square feet. The fireplace was the centerpiece of the home as it was an island which served as a divider between the family living room and the dining room. The other distinctive feature was the screened front courtyard in front of the kitchen window, which stretched over to the carport.

Almost all of the model 8’s have had the carport converted to garage. Unfortunately, many of them have had the screen walls removed. 

A good (bad – fixer upper) example of the Model 8C just sold as a foreclosure at 3419 Seneca, and a terrific well kept and beautifully painted example of the model 8B can be found at 3522 Pueblo Way, which is 3 or four houses west of the “Revision House”.  

I don’t recognize the 8A at all. I don’t recall any that have an extended facia providing shade to the bedroom windows. Nor do  I recognize the shadow block design on the left front of the house. Am I wrong?

There’s at least 3 people/couples that I know of who have been driving around Paradise Palms with these brochures trying to identify all the houses of each model. I wish I had the time to do it lesiurly as well. Perhaps one of them will spot an 8A that I’m not remembering.

The prices, which were rubber stamped onto the back of the brochures is a little harder to read on the the model 8, but they were:

Lot B $31,900 and

Lot C $34,500

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