Home | Background | Architecture | Paul R. Williams (FAIA) | Developer | Press Links | Petition (links offsite) | Message Board (links offsite) DONATE and MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Save La Concha Motel Las Vegas Nevada About La Concha Motel Architecture La Concha is an historic concrete shell motel from the Golden Era of Las Vegas. It has been a part of the old Las Vegas Strip at 2955 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas Nevada 89109-1930 since 1961. The two-story motel structure and pool have ALREADY been demolished, but the exquisite front cast concrete conch shell lobby are still standing... for now... The La Concha Motel lobby building will soon be demolished to make way for a condominium development. La Concha Motel was designed by African American architect Paul Revere Williams, Hollywood's "Architect to the Stars." He designed over 3,000 buildings, including the LAX International Airport Theme Building, a space age symbol of Los Angeles. As Las Vegas continues to re-invent itself, we have seen famous casinos and famous landmarks like the Sands, Dunes and original Flamingo disappear, but remarkably, La Concha Motel has remained. It may be the most significant piece of Mid Century Modern architecture left in Las Vegas and has become the symbol of classic Las Vegas history. La Concha is old enough now to be a National Register landmark... on a cultural, architectural AND historic basis. Luckily, the Las Vegas-based Neon Museum saved part of the original neon sign designed by YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company). And their board members have a plan to save the lobby by cutting up the shell-shaped structure and gingerly transporting it piece by piece. It will be used it as a front entrance or Visitor Center for the Neon Museum "boneyard" further up Las Vegas Boulevard. Here it would become a tremendous draw for visitors, architectural historians and students and the growing community. We need to make sure the city does not give up its fight to save this RARE and very endangered icon. Monetary donations are desperately needed in order to receive the matching funds pledged by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority. And the city and cultural officials need to know that Las Vegans and visitors alike are behind saving this structure. Website was produced by HOMECAMP.com | hosted by Itempo.com