Nevada Preservation Foundation, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and local leaders honor the Plaza Hotel & Casino
Plaza recognized for its 50th anniversary and as first business to be honored by NPF
In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, Nevada Preservation Foundation (NPF) today commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Plaza Hotel & Casino by bestowing its bronze plaque to the iconic downtown property at a special event with city of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman.
The Plaza is the first commercial building to be honored with NPF’s venerable bronze plaque, which celebrates buildings that are at least 40 years old and raises awareness of living history, iconic architectural design, and a building’s historical significance.
“The presentation of NPF’s bronze plaque to the Plaza marks a shift in the organization’s approach to honoring local buildings, legacies and sites, as NPF previously focused on only residential achievements,” said NPF Executive Director Cynthia Ammerman. “We look at living history and buildings realizing the importance of honoring institutional places that are not only iconic to the people of Las Vegas but to the world.”
“The Plaza is very proud of its heritage and excited to celebrate its 50th anniversary,” said Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel, who added the property received approval earlier in the morning to operate at 100 percent capacity. “It is a great honor to welcome guests to the Plaza and to be recognized by the Nevada Preservation Foundation for our unique place in Las Vegas history.”
“The Plaza sits on the site of the 1905 land auction that was the beginning of Las Vegas,” said Mayor Goodman who provided a proclamation from the city of Las Vegas recognizing the Plaza and its significant history. “What a legacy the Plaza has carried on throughout the years as a preeminent destination in Las Vegas. From Jackie Gaughan, Sam Boyd, Kell Houssels, Sen. Howard Cannon and Frank Scott, who were among the early ownership group, to Jonathan Jossel, Poju Zabludowicz and the Tamares team, the Plaza is truly a global icon.”
Several local leaders attended the event, including former Senator Richard Bryan, representatives from the offices of Sen. Jacky Rosen, Rep. Susie Lee, Rep. Steven Horsford, and Rep. Dina Titus, County Clerk Lynn Goya, Las Vegas Historic Preservation Officer Diane Siebrandt, and members of Nevada Preservation Foundation, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial.
The Plaza’s official 50th anniversary date is July 2, 2021. NPF will be coordinating with the Plaza throughout 2021 to celebrate the milestone, including a revamped annual Home + History Weekend and holiday engagement. For more information: www.nevadapreservation.org.
About the Plaza Hotel & Casino
Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino combines a vintage Rat Pack attitude with modern styling and personal customer service for the ultimate Vegas experience. First opened in 1971 and built on the site of the original Las Vegas railroad depot, the Plaza has nearly 1,000 modern rooms and suites, a classic Vegas showroom, downtown’s only bingo hall, and 30,000 sq. ft. of refurbished ballroom and meeting space. Larger outdoor events are hosted at the Plaza’s Core Arena, downtown’s only equestrian and multipurpose facility. Guests enjoy a variety of dining options led by the renowned Oscar’s Steakhouse in the hotel’s iconic glass dome overlooking the Fremont Street Experience. A new race & sports book along with hundreds of slot machines and nearly two dozen table games comprise an 80,000-square-foot casino floor. A fully renovated rooftop pool and recreation deck complete with private cabanas, hot tub, food truck, tennis court and dedicated Pickleball courts, provide a variety of outdoor amenities. For more information on the multiple award-winning Plaza Hotel & Casino, visit www.plazahotelcasino.com. Get updates via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Nevada Preservation Foundation
Our mission is to preserve and revitalize historic buildings and places in Nevada and to cultivate a presence around cultural heritage and tourism. Retention and restoration of our built environment fosters not only a sense of place but also helps to build an engaged community for residents and visitors alike. We know that preserving our buildings is as much about our collective history as it is about strengthening neighborhoods, creating jobs, diversifying tourism, and boosting conservation. We accomplish this through our efforts in preservation services, education and advocacy. For more information: https://nevadapreservation.org/