Motor Court Magic: Mid-Century Architecture and the Roadside Motel

FREE LECTURE PART OF PRISM TV SIGNS OF THE TIMES LECTURE SERIES

On Saturday, May 23, join the Neon Museum for “Motor Court Magic: Mid-Century Architecture and the Roadside Motel” from 6 to 8 p.m. This public discussion is in conjunction with a brand-new survey of historic downtown Las Vegas motor courts designed to inform the public and motel property owners of the economic and cultural value of their properties and signs.  The panel will also address how motor courts originated, impacted travel and eventually evolved into resort hotels. In addition, the ways in which roadside architecture helped shape the Southwest and subsequent landscape preservation strategies will be explored. 

“Motor Court Magic” will be moderated by Urban Design Coordinator and Historic Preservation Officer Courtney Mooney, City of Las Vegas, and represents a collaboration between the Neon Museum, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Nevada Preservation Foundation and the City of Las Vegas. Panelists will include Demion Clinco, President of the Tucson Hisoric Preservation Foundation Board; Jerry Stefani, roadside historian and creator of "Then and Now - Las Vegas Motels Driving Tours;" Susanna Newbury, Assistant Professor of Art History at the University of Nevada, and Craig Palacios and Tina Wichmann, co-founders and principals, BUNNYFiSH studio.

"The Historic Preservation Commission is thrilled to participate in the Motor Court Magic panel discussion,” said Robert Stoldal, chairman, Historic Preservation Commission.  “One of the commission's focus has been to inventory mid-century modern buildings in Las Vegas in order to promote their preservation through events like this. These motels were so important to the growth and development of Las Vegas, setting the tone for Fremont Street and the Strip. Their preservation and activation is vital to downtown's revitalization."

Adds Michelle Larime, interim executive director, Nevada Preservation Foundation: "Nevada Preservation Foundation is extremely excited to be involved with this great outreach program. Motor court motels speak to the history of Vegas and really define our city's culture on many levels. The opportunity to preserve these buildings and integrate them into future plans for downtown Las Vegas should be an essential piece in revitalizing our community and local economy."

Saturday, May 23rd

6:00 pm

Neon Museum

Free admission