Sin City is so much more than nightclubs and casinos; it also boasts a plethora of beautiful, aesthetic architecture.
Beyond the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, architecture enthusiasts will find astounding sites designed by brilliant architects like Cesar Pelli and Daniel Libeskind.
The iconic south Las Vegas Boulevard, popularly known as the Las Vegas strip, is home to remarkable Las Vegas architecture. Let’s explore how this place has evolved through the years.
The Foundations of Las Vegas Architecture
Las Vegas was founded by railroad workers and ranchers, who were drawn to this part of Nevada because of its natural springs.
Fast forward to the 20th century, businessmen set their sights on attracting tourists to Las Vegas. It was during this time that Thomas Hull opened the first hotel resort in the area, the El Rancho Vegas, on the Las Vegas Strip.
The El Rancho Vegas was designed by Wayne McAllister, one of the West’s greatest architects. McAllister is known for his use of nonstop neon and streamlined buildings that catered to the evolving car culture.
Historian Alan Hess mentioned McAllister in his two books, “Viva Las Vegas” and “Googie: Fifties Coffee Shop Architecture,” citing his significant influence on Las Vegas architecture style.
The Rise of the Strip and Mid-Century Modernism
Eventually, Las Vegas began to develop into what we know it to be now, with the rise of luxury casinos and colossal resorts taking over the Strip.
The famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, an iconic symbol of the city, was erected in 1959. It was designed by Betty Willis during a time when there were very few female visual artists.
Las Vegas buildings gained inspiration from hyper-specific themes. Originally constructed in 1961, the La Concha Motel’s lobby is one of the best examples of mid-century modern design characterized by curvilinear space age shapes.
Caesar’s Palace was designed to look like ostentatious ancient Rome. The Luxor Hotel and Casino houses guests in a 30-story pyramid. The New York-New York Hotel appears identical to the New York City Skyline.
The Rat Pack Era and Glamorous Casino Designs
The Rat Pack was a group of singers and actors, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop.
In the first half of the 1960s, at the height of their popularity, over 30,000 tourists flocked to the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas over a four-week season, both to gamble and to see these A-list stars.
Las Vegas became a global entertainment and gambling hub, fueled by the influx of tourists and the rise of organized crime. This period saw the growth of the Las Vegas Strip and the establishment of the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Las Vegas in the 1980s and 1990s
In the 1980s and 1990s, Las Vegas experienced a shift in its architectural landscape, moving away from the classic neon signs toward more thematic and visually expressive designs that reflect postmodernism and other eclectic influences.
This era saw the rise of large-scale, themed resort complexes that feature iconic structures, such as the castle at Excalibur Hotel and Casino, the pyramid at Luxor, and the volcanic display at The Mirage.
The Bellagio Hotel and Casino features the Fountains of Bellagio, a popular attraction at the resort that amazes spectators with their choreographed water shows set to music and lights.
The Venetian replicates Old-world Venice with Baroque-inspired murals, trompe l’oeil ornament, and decorative finishes. Some of the noteworthy replicas include the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Campanile, and Piazza San Marco.
The CityCenter Complex and Sustainable Architecture
ARIA Campus, commonly known by its former name CityCenter, is a luxury mixed-use complex on the Las Vegas Strip known for its modern architecture, luxurious amenities, and upscale dining and entertainment.
The complex is known for its commitment to sustainability. In fact, several buildings within ARIA Campus have earned LEED Gold certifications.
Among the most interesting structures in the area are the tilted gold Veer Towers designed by Murphy/Jahn Architects. The towers were designed with energy-efficient features and construction waste management methods that contributed to the LEED Gold certification.
The Shops at Crystals is a 500,000-square-foot luxury shopping center that commands attention with its exterior design that mixes glass, steel, and sharp angles. The building also has LEED Gold Core and Shell certification, making it the world’s largest retail district to attain such an accomplishment.
The upscale shopping mall was designed by renowned Polish American architect Daniel Libeskind, who is also known for his design of the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the master plan reconstruction of the World Trade Center.
Influence of Global Styles on Las Vegas Structures
French architect Jacques Garcia, known for his opulent, baroque style that’s evident in Parisian hotels he designed in the late 1990s, is the creative mind behind the NoMad Hotel Las Vegas and NoMad Library restaurant.
The hotel offers a warm, luxurious ambiance, with oak floors, clawfoot tubs, and rich chocolate hued furniture. The restaurant exudes an 18th-century era library, featuring over 25,000 books on backlit shelves from David Rockefeller’s personal collection.
Sadelle’s Café at the Bellagio was the creation of whimsical designer Ken Fulk, who took inspiration from the exuberance of Parisian Belle Époque.
The design is a grandiose Parisian bistro, with herringbone wood floors, creamy ocean blue painted walls and coffered ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing a conservatory.
Conclusion
Las Vegas architecture is unlike any other. This part of the desert is filled with impressive structures that no other place has ever thought of. Nowhere else in the world will you find a replica Venetian Palace or a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower.
Beyond the Vegas Strip, the neighborhoods in the area offer beautiful homes. If you’re considering buying a property in this vibrant city, please give us a call today at
+1 702-389-7369 or send us an email at info@vegashomesnv.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne McAllister’s design of the El Rancho Vegas is one of the most iconic architectural styles in Sin City. It combined elements of frontier/Spanish mission style, with a strong Old West theme.
Themed casinos in Las Vegas began in the 1980s. This era saw the rise of large-scale, themed resort complexes that feature iconic structures, such as the castle at Excalibur Hotel and Casino, the pyramid at Luxor, and the volcanic display at The Mirage.
CityCenter is known for its commitment to sustainability. In fact, several buildings within the complex have earned LEED Gold certifications.
