E-304: Virgining Market

Random Vegas

May advertising, a Las Vegas ad agency, created 250 logos for the Union Plaza (now plaza) before one was approved (@vitalvegas)

Twitpic of the week

The monologue for this week’s winner will be unique in that it gives me a chance to share some insight into what goes into Vintage Vegas research, or maybe its just a fun fact with impeccable timing.  I’m currently working on a large project to document the evolution of Fremont and the people who played a part in it. Recently, my research has led me to a connection to the owners of the various casinos that used to exist in the place known today as the Bonanza, the World's Largest Gift Shop, on the north west corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Sahara.  Almost as if they knew I was going to need it, @NeonMuseumshared a picture of two of the casinos that existed at that location for a time, MoneyTree and Honest John’s Casinos.  As previously state, research is ongoing, so that’s all I can tell you about those two casinos.  What I learn will be shared in a future Vintage Vegas episode

News

 Caesars-Eldorado Merger
The Sahara Returns
Cake Boss Expands to Harrah’s
Station’s Union Problems

E-303: Have You Seen Minority Report?

Random Vegas

The Hacienda Hotel & Casino was one of a chain of 4 properties each featuring a distinctive horse and rider sign.  The other 3 locations were in California. (Neon Museum) 

Twitpic of the week

It’s so Vegas it's kind of annoying while simultaneously being sexy as hell.  If LED signage is eye-catching, what does one 30 stories tall do.  @Palms hopes it draws people to the off-strip property that kicked off the nightclub revolution in the city only to eventually be outdone by their strip counterparts.  Returning to the well is a risky proposition but how else do you recommend they reclaim their place in the market?  But when renovation costs exceed that of some newer projects, is there any chance they can recoup their investment?  Time will tell. 

News

m00nshot.com

Battle Born Pins

Encore Boston for Sale?

Vegas Fees Impact

LINQ VR

Stadium Parking woes continue

MLS in Vegas

Booking.com fights back

Eldorado/Caesars Merger Update

Meek Mills/Cosmopolitan Situation

Boyd Approved to leave NV Energy

E-302: 360 Vegas Vacation 8 Spring 2019

Random Vegas 

Since it opened in 1941, despite multiple expansions and renovations, the property has never changed it exterior façade.  On Feb 22, 2013, the El Cortez, the original hotel/casino built on Fremont St, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Twitpic of the week 

Metaphor, oh how I love the.  Unless the architect for the property’s marquee signage was Nostradamus, there is no way they could have known how the landscape of the Vegas valley would evolve over the years.  Regardless, when the El Cortez opened in 1941, its marquee design would essentially direct your attention to the future of the city on Highway 91, a POV we had the opportunity to enjoy for the first during 360VV8.  Then again, maybe they did see what lay just beyond the horizon.  After all, 1941 was also the year that the El Rancho, Las Vegas Blvd’s first proper hotel/casino, would open.  An event that signaled the rise of what would later be known as the Strip.  A nickname coined by another Vegas pioneer and former LA Police officer Guy McAfee, inspired by the famous California Sunset Strip.  If that name rings a bell for another reason, it may be because McAfee built the Golden Nugget and co-founded the city of Paradise Nevada so casino owners on the strip could avoid paying taxes to the city of Las Vegas by establishing themselves outside of the Las Vegas city limits. 

360VegasMark pics

360VV8 Photos

Official Photographer @japluto09