The Architectural and Decorative Arts Society of Las Vegas is holding it’s “Atomic Vegas” weekend of events THIS WEEKEND October 26–28

Tickets to all events are available at the ADAS WEBSITE 

Friday Night October 26 its a 50’s SOCK HOP at the Alexis Park

Saturday Afternoon October 27 are panel discussions on Mid Century Architecture and Design. The symposium will be from 1 to 4 pm at the El Cortez Hotel meeting rooms (at the top of the staircase by the valet parking entrance).

The BUS TOUR of the Mid Century Modern Neighborhoods Of Las Vegas – Sunday October 28

SUNDAY October 28 is the annual bus tour of the Historic Mid Century neighborhoods of Las Vegas. Yours truly, Jack LeVine will be moderating and conducting the double decker bus tour. The bus will depart and return to the Sears parking lot at the Boulevard Mall. The tour starts at 1pm.

We’ll be looking at neighborhoods on both the east and west sides of I-15. We’ll be driving thru the neighborhoods of Paradise Palms, Marycrest, Francisco Park, John S. Park Historic District, The Las Vegas High School Historic District, McNeil, Glen Heather, Scotch 80s and the Rancho/Alta district . 

We’ll be stopping at 4 homes during the tour. The first is a Bill Krisel home in Paradise Palms. The second stop is at my house and the home next door. The last stop is the Sharp family home on Ashby in McNeil.

Please join us for any or all of these great events. Tickets are available at the Architectural and Decorative Arts Las Vegas Website

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.

One of the dreams I’ve always had was that each of the neighborhoods get organized to promote not only the neighborhood itself, but all the various subsets of Mid Century Modern. That’s happened with gusto in Paradise Palms. What was needed was a strong dedicated leader to step to the plate and make it happen.  Clay and Denise Heximer – who wrote the article and took the pictures for this article in Atomic Ranch – are the heros who picked up the ball and ran with it. There are organized clean up days, monthly get to know your neighbor cocktail parties and more happening now. And with this article, Paradise Palms is getting the kind of national attention that it deserves.

The article is in the fall edition of Atomic Ranch and is available on news stands now if you want a hard copy. If you want to see it now, the Paradise Palms website has the images available now.

Speaking of which – I have two homes for sale at the moment in Paradise Palms. 3192 Seneca Drive and 3421 Sioux Way. Both are equity sellers (not shortsale and not bank owned).

Dean Melissa just closed on a home on Caballero Drive on Friday,  and Olga and Will just closed this week on Burnham Ave. I also have several short sale listings in Paradise Palms that are working their way thru the bank approval process.

Keep your eye on Paradise Palms. If you want to take a drive, you’ll find it on both sides of Desert Inn between Maryland Parkway and Eastern.

I was so embarrassed. Actually, ashamed is a better word. Blogging was once something I really got off on doing  daily. For 4 years it was just part of my routine. I recognize the pattern. I used to work out at the gym regularly as well. You just stop one day and the next thing you know……

It’s not that there isn’t a readership or a following for information about the Historic Las Vegas Neighborhoods and Mid Century Modern. It’s not that I don’t have a lot of excuses. The good thing is that Google still finds me, and the phone keeps ringing, and the homes keep selling. I do manage to get over to Facebook, occasionally, but we all know what a time consuming trap that it can be.

That said – and since you’re reading this, I wanted to tell you some of what I have been doing.  

The media has been very kind to me this last year. Just this past week, I was one of the 4 people in the Real Estate community that was interviewed by Vegas Seven Magazine for an article about the “boom and bust and bottom” of Las Vegas Real Estate.

The Las Vegas Weekly did a series on “Vegas Crusaders” in Early May. I was honored to be one of those for my advocacy of Mid Century Modern architecture and preservation. (HINT – if you click the link, you’ll have to use the right arrow to page 5 of the article)

BLVD Magazine ran a nice story in April – “Jack LeVine, Vintage Vegas Realtor Sells Old School Charm” Symphony Park was kind enough to give me a spot in their “Urban Dweller” series

Speaking of Selling Mid Century Modern Homes and Historic Neighborhoods in Las Vegas

-It’s been a very busy year. Volume wise – I’m back to 4 or 5 homes a month. August has been insane with 8 closings scheduled. Three have already closed and 5 are set to happen next week.

For example, Justin, Mike and Cory are moving this weekend into Rancho Park at Rancho and Alta; Olga and Will are getting a Bill Krisel designed home in Paradise Palms. Cliff and Edie are settling into their new Cinderella Ranch. Chris is moving this weekend into his new home in the John S. Park Historic Neighborhood. Dean and Melissa are busy getting ready to flip a great house on 17^th Street in the Marycrest area of downtown (watch for it). There have been many dozens of others who didn’t get a shout out but I do appreciate the trust they put in me to help them buy or sell their properties.

I’ve also been doing some re-modeling of my own home, and will be repainting the outside this fall. Along the way during the last year and half since the blogging became inconsistent – I lost my mother, all three of the beagles and had another heart attack. SEE – I told you there were some good excuses. However – all’s well now. Thanks for asking.  

Well the first new post in months is finished and except for a few frustrating moments with the blog editor software – IT DIDN’T HURT A BIT!

This year’s theme is the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act with events around the state.

“This special month gives us a chance to educate the need to preserve our collective heritage,” said Ron James, the state historic preservation officer.

A list of events is below. 

Clark County

May 5: Join the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, at 500 E Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV, and the Friends of the Fort for a series of activities and displays celebrating the life of Helen J. Stewart. Historical interpreter, Dr. Linda Miller, will give a first Person glimpse into the life of Helen J. Stewart the “first Lady of Las Vegas”. The newly dedicated statue of Helen J. Stewart surrounded by artifacts of her life will be the focus of the lesson. A documentary of her life will also be shown. Afterwards participants will be given a guided tour of the site, approximately1 hour. Costs for the event are $1. For more information please contact Dr. Linda Miller at 702-492-7742 or kckidinlv@hotmail.com or Don Bolton at 702-486-3511.

May 12: Join the Lost City Museum at 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV for a Native Plants Day. Visitors will be able to learn about the native plants of the Mojave Desert and how indigenous populations would have used them for food and medicine. Visitors will also be able to try samples of the native plants and dishes with the plant as a main ingredient. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The even costs $5.00 for adults and free for members and children under 18. For more information please contact Dena Sedar at 702-397-2193 or dsedar@nevadaculture.org.

May 19: Join the Lost City Museum at 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV for a Kids Archaeology Day. Kids Archaeology Day will give children 13 and under an opportunity to learn about archaeology by participating in a mock excavation at the museum. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event is Free. Participation is limited to 16 children. Contact the museum to sign-up for this activity and for more information; please contact Dena Sedar at 702-397-2193 or dsedar@nevadaculture.org.

May 19: The city of Las Vegas is partnering with the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge No.1468 again this year for the Helldorado Days Parade from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm in Downtown Las Vegas on Fourth St. between Gass and Ogden Avenues. The event started in 1935 and is the longest-running civic event in the history of Las Vegas. It was originally created as a means to encourage tourism to the city upon completion of the Boulder Dam. Events include a four-day pro rodeo, parade, carnival, treasure hunt for gold, whiskerino contest, golf tournament, poker tournament, art show and auction, trail ride, exhibits and food. This event is Free. For a list of other events during Helldorado Days (throughout the month of May) and more information, please visit http://www.elkshelldorado.com or contact Esther Carter at 702-229-6672 or ecarter@lasvegasnevada.gov.

May 26: Join the Lost City Museum at 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV for a book signing of Nevada’s Lost City. The book, Nevada’s Lost City, which was written by the museum’s curator, is a pictorial history of the excavation of the Lost City. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. The event costs $5 for adults and is free for members and children under 18. For more information please contact Dena Sedar at 702-397-2193 or dsedar@nevadaculture.org.

Carson City

May 24: Join the Nevada State Museum at 600 N Carson St. for the Frances Humphrey Lecture series: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Nevada: From Boys to Men by Renée Corona Kolvet. Book signing 6-7 pm; lecture based upon book of the same title, 7-8 pm. The presentation will explain why the nine-year program was so rewarding in Nevada with its large federal holdings and its sparse population. The CCC was a win-win situation for all involved as it was designed to salvage two of the nation’s most threatened assets—over two million young, unmarried men on relief, and millions of acres of neglected, drought-stricken federal lands. Costs for Adults are $8/person and Free for museum members and children 17 and under. For more information please contact Deborah Stevenson, Curator of Education at 775-687-4810, ext. 237 or dstevenson@nevadaculture.org.

Churchill County

May 12 and 26: Join the Churchill County Museum in cooperation with the Stillwater Field Office of the BLM for a tour of Hidden Cave. Start at the Churchill County Museum (1050 S Maine St., Fallon, NV) which opens at 9:00 am, a video of a brief history of Hidden Cave will be shown at 9:30 am. BLM staff will be on hand to caravan to Hidden Cave (located along US Highway 50, east of Fallon) and provide a walking interpretive tour, discussing the cultural and natural resources associated with the cave and the surrounding ecosystem. The tour will leave from the Churchill County Museum no later than 10:00 am. The tour is one hour, it is approximately ½ mile to the cave (ca. 20-30 minute discussion inside the cave) and there are several stops along the way including petroglyph panels, natural resources, geology, and Picnic Cave. At Hidden Cave the tour group will enter and experience the interior of the cave including a discussion of the archaeological discoveries and past use of this phenomenal cave. The group is encouraged to continue on to see the pictographs inside of Burnt Cave. Hidden Cave Interpretive Trail brochures are available at the museum. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the trail is on a slight incline, bring your own water and dress appropriately for the weather. The event is Free. For more information please contact Peggy Viney from the Education Program at Churchill County Museum at 775-423-3677 or Susan McCabe of the BLM at 775-885-6132 or smccabe@blm.gov.

Elko County

May 5: Join the Elko County Chapter of the Nevada Archaeological Association at the Northeastern Nevada Museum (1515 Idaho St., Elko, NV) for the Archaeology Fair from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The Activity Fair includes exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for kids. Admission to the Fair is Free. For more information please contact Donna Murphy at 775-738-6269 or murphys@citlink.net,

Storey County

May 18 – 20: Come to the 26th Annual Comstock Historic Preservation Weekend in Virginia City, NV. The Boom to Bust days of the Comstock lode left a rich history of mining, technology, and stories of fortunes made and lost. Discover the remaining wealth from that era at these hidden gems during Preservation Weekend on the Comstock. A weekend of events including the Fourth Ward School Kickoff Party, a Children’s Comstock Chorus performance, a collection of unique-exclusive programs at different venues throughout the area, and a Free self-guided walking tour of “If This House Could Talk” where Comstock neighbors and businesses display original signs sharing choice tidbits about events contemporary or historic, personal or public that happened in their buildings. Costs vary by venue and event. For more information please contact Barbara Mackey at 775-847-0975 or director@fourthwardschool.org or check out their website for various event dates and times at www.fourthwardschool.org.

May 18:

5:30 – 7 pm – Fourth Ward School Kickoff Party

May 19:          

10 am – 5 pm – “If These Houses Could Talk” self-guided walking tour

10 am – 5 pm – Fourth Ward School Museum

10 am – 5 pm – Mackay Mansion Tour (Free Admission)

11 am – 4 pm – SMAC Historic Bed Pan Tour and Crossroads Exhibition Series (Donations Appreciated)

11 am – 4 pm – St. Mary’s in the Mountains Cathedral and Museum (Donations Appreciated)

12 – 4 pm – Piper’s Opera House tours (Free Admission)

1:30 – 2:30 pm – Children’s Comstock Chorus – “Of Mice and Mozart” a musical at the Fourth Ward School (Free Admission)

4 pm – Closing – The Return of the Crystal Bar – Celebrate the Restoration (Admission by Donation)

6 pm – Piper’s Dinner Murder Mystery Theatre (Cocktails at 6 pm, Show starts at 7 pm) – Call 775-847-0433 for tickets.

May 20:

10 am – 5 pm – “If These Houses Could Talk” self-guided walking tour

10 am – 5 pm – Mackay Mansion Tour (Free Admission)

11 am – 4 pm – SMAC Historic Bed Pan Tour and Crossroads Exhibition Series (Donations Appreciated)

11 am – 4 pm – St. Mary’s in the Mountains Cathedral and Museum (Donations Appreciated)

12 – 4 pm – Piper’s Opera House tours (Free Admission)

Washoe County

May 4: Join Kautz Environmental Consultants, Inc. at 1140 Financial Blvd, Suite 100, Reno, NV for an Educational Open House. The Open House will feature a variety of educational programs and activities, such as: Inquiry-based projects including the creating and mapping of historic artifacts for children aged 4 to 13; Interactive games and exercises for all ages; Archaeologists will demonstrate the basic principles of flint knapping and the manufacture of prehistoric stone tools; a continuously-running PowerPoint presentation showing a variety of ways GIS can be used for analytical purposes in the field of archaeology; Lecture and slide show The Style Tells the Story: Reno’s Architectural History. Meet the archaeologists and enjoy refreshments from 10 am to 4 pm. This event is Free. For more information please contact Mella Harmon at 775-829-4411 or harmon@kecnv.com.

Throughout May: The Historic Reno Preservation Society Presents Preservation Month Walking Tours throughout the Reno area. The tour costs $10 per person and is Free to HRPS members. Walks generally last from 1 ½ to 2 hours. No dogs please. Reservations are required and space is limited.  Please contact Cindy Ainsworth at 775-747-4478 or go to www.historicreno.org for more information and reservations.

Tuesday, May 1, 6:00 p.m. — WEST OF WELLS — Discover an often overlooked treasure trove of fascinating Reno history. Join us as we walk the neighborhood West of Wells Avenue, along the former path of the V and T railroad. Experience unusual architecture unique to this neighborhood and learn the history of the colorful characters who gave birth to Reno’s neighborhood on the other side of the tracks. Meet outside Silver Peak at 140 Wonder Street. Tour Guide: Barrie Schuster

Saturday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. —- MONROE STREET — Stroll along Monroe and Joaquin Miller Streets, savoring the history and architecture of this lovely residential area south of the Newlands Neighborhood. You will see the Hart House, the Patrick Ranch House, Greystone Castle, and other homes. Meet at the corner of Monroe and Manor Drives. Tour Guides: Elsie Newman, April Kempler.

Tuesday, May 8, 6:00 p.m. — DELONGCHAMPS RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE — This walk takes you on a neighborhood tour of many noteworthy homes, both large and small, designed by Reno’s notable architect, Frederic Delongchamps. Also, hear about his life and what made him so unique to this area. Meet at the Hardy House, 442 Flint Street. Tour Guide: Sharon Honig-Bear.

Saturday, May 12, 10:00 a.m. — PROHIBITION IN RENO — We’ve turned back the clocks to the 1920s and 30s. We’ll walk streets and alleys and visit significant buildings, recalling Reno’s saloons and reformers (the WCTU and Anti-Saloon League) and feature a guest appearance by a local dignitary of the area. Tour starts at Amtrak’s Reno Station, 135 East Commercial Row, Tour Guides: Debbie Hinman and Sharon Honig-Bear

Tuesday, May 15, 6:00 p.m. — UNIVERSITY HISTORIC DISTRICT (CAMPUS) — Visit Morrill Hall, MacKay School of Mines and the Keck Museum to learn the history of this beautiful campus. Meet at Honor Court, 9th and Center Street. Tour Guide: Jack Hursh.

Saturday, May 19, 10:00 a.m. — ROADS AND RAILS, HISTORIC FOURTH STREET CORRIDOR — Discover the historic origins of the Lincoln Highway and the Nevada, California and Oregon Railroad, stopping to appreciate the Barengo/NCO building, Flanigan warehouse, and other vestiges of the corridor’s heyday. Meet at Louis Basque Corner, 301 E. 4th Street. Tour Guide: Cindy Ainsworth.

Tuesday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. — UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD — A walk through an historic and endangered neighborhood at the foot of the campus—with vintage Queen Anne homes and charming bungalows. Meet at the base of the 9th Street university steps. Tour Guide: Debbie Hinman.

Saturday, May 26, 10:00 a.m. — ETHNIC RENO, EAST SIDE — Some call Lake Street “Paradise Lost” but we will recreate the vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little Italy, and Basque life. Meet at the National Automobile Museum, 10 Lake Street. Tour Guides: Sharon Honig-Bear and Drew Gerthoffer

Tuesday, May 29, 6:00 p.m. — BRICKS AND STONES — A walk in the Humboldt and Lander Streets Neighborhood. Discover the architectural treasures of this area, a mix of bungalows, Tudor and mission revivals and cottage styles. Meet at My Favorite Muffin, 340 California Avenue. Tour Guide: Bill Isaeff

White Pine County

May 19: This is the first part of a two part event (all are welcome for one or both events). Join Great Basin National Park, Baker, NV in making prehistoric pottery from 10 am – 3 pm at the Great Basin Visitor Center Resource Classroom. Everyone is welcome to watch a demonstration of prehistoric pottery making techniques including selecting and grinding clay, preparing the clay and temper, and hand building a coiled pot. Anyone is welcome to observe. A small number of people may sign up to make their own pottery, pre-registration is required for up to 6 participants. For more information and to pre-register please contact Eva Jensen at 775-234-7331 ext. 235 or Eva_Jensen@nps.gov.

June 2: This is the second part of a two part event (all are welcome for one or both events). Join Great Basin National Park, Baker, NV in a pottery firing demonstration at 11 am, meet at the Great Basin Visitor Center. Watch a pottery firing demonstration of open firing technique (no kiln) used by Native American potters from A.D. 600 through the late 1800’s. For more information please contact Eva Jensen at 775-234-7331 ext. 235 or Eva_Jensen@nps.gov.

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The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office encourages the preservation of Nevada’s historic and prehistoric heritage through federal and state programs. It provides federal grants from the National Park Service to fund historic preservation activities in Nevada. The Office assists federal and state agencies, local governments, private non-profit organizations and private citizens to preserve buildings and archaeological sites.

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

901 S. Stewart Street, Suite 5004

Carson City, NV 89701-5248

775-684-3448

www.nvshpo.org

Universally, the main topic of the conversation was “when to buy?”. My answer was “when the time is right for you”. Those that did buy usually had a compelling reason. Most often – believe it or not – the reason was the rental home they were in was being foreclosed on and they couldn’t stand the uncertainty of when or if they’d be thrown out. Some just realized that with ridiculously low interest rates and prices, they’d be so much better off owning than renting.

Those that didn’t buy were almost all afraid to buy into a falling market. “I’ll buy when we hit the bottom” was usually the end of the conversation.

I sent all of them an email this morning. Here’s what it said.  

During the last year or so I spoke to many people – including you – about real estate in Las Vegas. For many, it boiled down to “waiting till we get to the bottom”.

 

We believe that we’ve bottomed out now. Sure there’s some who disagree. There always will be. They usually get the headlines.  The big, month after month declines have stopped. The sales volume for December  and ALL of 2011 set a new record. EVERYTHING that’s for sale is bargain priced. Investment money is flooding in from all over the world, the phone is ringing off the hook, and the emails come in fast and furious.  All are signs that we’re finally there.  Yes, there will be some up and down monthly blips, but for all practical purposes we’re at the bottom. FINALLY!

 

We haven’t talked in quite some time, and it’s time we talked again.  Whether you’ve considered a home to live in, or positive cash flow investment property, this year is when we should be putting a plan together for you.

 

And if you’re upside down on a mortgage, have fallen behind in your payments or have some other hardship – We should definitely be talking about short selling your current home and how long it will take till you could buy again.

 

If you’re still considering – it’s time to take some action. I invite you to call or email. Let’s talk!

 

Sincerely,  Jack

The following graphs were attached. They show the number of sales over an 11 year period and the medium price of homes during the same period. 2003 was the last year when we had prices that reflected “REAL VALUE” of homes. We base that on the expectations of buyers at different income levels.

For example – in 2003 a single person making $15.00 an hour (or $30,000/year) would expect to be able to buy 90,000 condo in a nice complex in a good part of town. They should also have been able to buy a cute retro 2 bedroom 1 bath in one of our terrific historic neighborhoods for the same 90 - $100,000. They could even have bought (in 2003) a much larger home in a crappy neighborhood for the same money.

Today – you can buy a 1500 -1800 square foot 3 bedroom 2 bath in a good neighborhood for the same money and with the same income. See what I mean? Five years ago that house was 200 to $250,000. Interest rates at the time were around 8%, and the only way to buy was with one of the funny money loans that got us into all the trouble in the first place.

So maybe (probably) you’re not one of the 287 people who received an email from me today. Maybe it’s time for you to have the conversation with me. Feel free to call me at 378–7055 or to email me at jack@unclejack.com

And just as I’m finally getting around to doing what I should be doing (writing a blog post) it’s time for you to consider what’s happening in the Las Vegas Real Estate Market – and do something about it! Let’s talk.

Nighttime is best of all to see it. FRIDAY NIGHT DECEMBER  23 They’ll be serving hot chocolate to all who stop by from 6 to 8 pm.

You can find the largest collection of blow up Christmas Decor in all of Las Vegas at:

1901 Houston Ave, at the corner of Crestwood Drive. (south on Crestwood from Charleston or west on Houston from Eastern). It’s also in the begging to be re-discovered Mid-Century modern neighborhood called Crestwood.

All of Lee and Laura’s past and present displays can be seen at the twisted vegas website

BRING ME SUNSHINE

Secondly – as a holiday greeting and wish for all of you – I give you a little video from The Uk’s number one Jive and Swing Band – The Jive Aces.

A big thank you to Vegas Judy for sharing it with me. It brought a much needed smile to my face, and if Las Vegas needs anything right now, it needs a smile. Pass it on!

Make sure to catch the little homage that’s paid to Louis Prima right near the end.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

We sometimes stay focused on the things that are wrong or that need improvement…and yes, things can always be better.  And that view is needed at times, so we can constantly improve.  But we also need to take a breath, a step back, and count all of our blessings.  It’s not just the things we have; it’s also the problems, issues, or heartaches we don’t have…because things could be a lot worse.

I appreciate your friendship and loyalty, and I am truly thankful.

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.

If you’ve kicked yourself in the past for having missed it, or want to see it again, this could be the last chance. Neighbors and County Commission have tried to shut it down (and succeeded for the last 2 years). A recent court ruling has cleared the path for it to happen once again.

This year there will be a donation of $10.00 per person. Shuttle bus service is available from the shopping centers at Flamingo and Sandhill.

The address is 4318 Ridgecrest Drive. 1 block south of the corner of Sandhill and Flamingo

Lonnie made a little video to give you a taste of what it’s all about.

I’ll be volunteering, once again as a docent –  so seek me out and say hello.

j

Here’s the map. Even the street view is fun 

Besides the expanded area into all of Downtown Las Vegas, there’s also expanded parking, expanded shuttle service, expanded food service, music stages, and much much more.

The “2 month hiatus”, though nerve-wracking at first gave everyone he breathing room to rethink what could be possible. Tomorrow night should be one of the most exciting First Fridays ever.

It looks like everyone is co-operating. Maybe even the weather will do it’s part.

For all of the information – visit the newly re-designed First Friday Website.

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

We don’t really suck. We do get homes sold – even in the toughest, worst Real Estate Market in the world. But, it’s a lot easier to market it well when the home is  almost a million dollars. And in Hollywood.  And your friends are movie people. However, Eric Lavey has raised the bar on how to show off a listing. I’d be remiss to not show it to you.

The story first appeared on AOL REAL ESTATE. I picked up on it from Inman News. Within hours it showed up on several real estate industry blogs that I folow. I think it should be shared with the readers of VeryVintageVegas for a couple of reasons.

First, in contrast to what we normally see in the Las Vegas MLS –  it wasn’t shot with the video camera on a cell phone.  It’s not out of focus. It wasn’t loaded sideways. The kitchen is clean and tidy. It’s not vacant and dirty and beat up. The landscape is alive. The bed is made. There’s no shopping cart on the curb in front of the home. It wasn’t shot on trash day.

Several years ago, we did a 3 year long series on the Worst MLS PHOTOS. In contrast to the below video, here’s the 2007 winner of the worst MLS photo contest. As you can see, there’s been other occupants who have had staring roles in the marketing materials.

Most importantly, it’s a very cool Mid Century Modern Home. Enjoy!

6816 Pacific View Drive, Hollywood Hills from Eric Lavey on Vimeo.

Labor Day Weekend In Vintage Vegas will really be rocking! 3 Different venues on Maryland Parkway. 3 days of non stop music.

Huntridge Circle Park To Host The Friday and Saturday evening events of the Maryland Parkway Music Festival

We’re especially pleased that the newly re-opened HUNTRIDGE CIRCLE PARK will have it’s first major event in the last six years. Having served on the original re-design committee 10 years ago, and as a leading proponent of getting Circle Park re-opened during the last 5 years, I’m happy to see it used for a major event.

For 60 plus years, Circle Park was a meeting place for all the now Historic Neighborhoods that surround the park. Hopefully this will generate renewed interest and lots of future events and programs.

The Sam Ash Music parking lot at Karen and Maryland Parkway will host the Saturday afternoon line-up.

UNLV will host the Sunday line-up from Noon to 9 PM, at Harmon Avenue and Maryland Parkway.

The complete calendar and list of acts that are performing are on the Maryland Parkway Music Festival Website

I’ll be appearing on the TV show “American Restoration” on FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 at 9pm. It’s on the History Channel – 43.

In February, I had put out a call on this blog to help Rick and his team find stuff to restore for the TV show. I offered them up what had been a piece of yard art at my house. They accepted it, but I’m forbidden to reveal anything about what they restored for me, or anything about the filming of the episode. You’ll just have to watch to see.

It’s one thing to make regular tv appearance on local news shows, or at a City Council meeting, but his is a big time national cable broadcast. I’m dying to find out if I come across as nervous as I really was.  

They’re gearing up to start filming a new series, and you can still submit items to be restored.

And now…Let’s Welcome Rick’s Restoration as the newest addition to the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District!

While I was at their old “secret” location – they told me that they would be moving the entire operation to Downtown Las Vegas. I was sworn to secrecy, but the new location is now open, and I took the tour today with Tyler.

They’re now on Commerce Ave, 2 driveways south of Charleston. They’re open 9–5 Monday thru Friday and you can just walk in and take a tour, visit the show room, gift shop and see watch all the restoration work taking place thru huge picture windows into each workspace. 

Tours are given whenever you walk in during regular business hours. I’m encouraging them to be open for First Friday.

Rick’s Restoration Showroom and Shop is the newest reason to visit the Art’s District. I think having tourists lining up will help drive a lot of weekday traffic into the Arts District.

Welcome, Rick, as well as all of your crew – to Downtown Las Vegas and The Arts District.