Glass Pool Inn PHOTO BY F. ANDREW TAYLOR What's left of the La Concha Inn. PHOTO BY F. ANDREW TAYLOR

Thursday, January 01, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Mercury

Imploders 2, history 0

The demise of two more classic Vegas landmarks proves that, despite the increased beat of historic preservation in recent years, some really cool stuff is falling through the cracks. The demolition of La Concha Inn--designed by famed Los Angeles architect Paul Revere Williams--and the impending demolition of the Glass Pool Inn--site for countless movies, photos and rock videos--have some in the historical preservation community shaking their heads at a missed opportunity.

"It's been a challenge to get the city and the owners alike to view these properties as cultural and historic treasures," says Corrine Escobar, president of the Preservation Association of Clark County. But if there's enough of a public outcry, she says, it's possible to at least save specific features of such classic properties. "I remember when there was initially talk about dismantling Vegas Vic," she says, "but there was enough of a public response to that that they didn't take it down." Anyone wanna make some noise?--Andrew Kiraly