Las Vegas has a remarkable collection of historical houses with unique architecture, special details and different designs. These residences were built by celebrities, casino owners and managers in the famous districts of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and offer a luxurious insight into the past. In order to fully appreciate the charm of these historical houses, the Nevada Preservation Foundation presented its 10th annual home and history “Vegas then. Vegas Now” over the weekend.
The most popular tour takes place in the afternoon of May 4th to explore Vega's charm and style Vintage. From original designs to beautifully restored and modernized renovation work, this self -guided hike invites guests to enter some of the best -known residences in Las Vegas. This curated collection offers an insight into the history, architecture and interior, define Vegas Living Vintage.
The underground house was one of the main features of the weekend event. It is one of the largest underground bunkers in the United States. At first glance, the manor house seems to be an ordinary two -story house that was built in the 1980s. However, an incredible treasure is 26 feet under the floor.
It is an unusual home that includes more than 15,000 square foot. It has artificial trees, faux rocks and lifelike landscapes, including hand-painted murals with houses that belong to the original owner. The lighting can be adjusted to simulate different times of the day, and sparkling stars on the ceiling reproduce the night sky. This underground residence includes a four-hole putting green, two whirlpools, a sauna, a dance floor, a bar and a grill area as well as an inner, underground, pool and spa with waterfalls. The main house has two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a separate casita.
This unique piece of Las Vega's story was made by Jerry Henderson, a businessman and philanthropist who worked as a director at Avon. In 1964 Henderson Pioneer headed underground and sponsored the Underground home exhibition at the New York World Mass.
“I have been on the property for eight years and am obliged to continuously research the history of Jerry and Mary Henderson and the legacy of her family as well as the preservation of the property,” said Frankie Lewis, property manager for the underground house. “My mission is to preserve and try to preserve the history and status of the legacy of Jerry and Mary Henderson, the original building owner of the property.
“I want to keep the historical value of the property. I am a 35-year-old residents of Las Vegas, and progress is not always wonderful, but this is unicorn property. There is nothing comparable on earth, and it is the last one.”
The Underground House was part of a double-decker bus tour with former celebrity houses and famous film locations in the historic neighborhood in downtown Las Vegas Paradise Palms. The adventure made it possible for everyone to testify Las Vegas' rich entertainment history and remarkable architecture.
The well -known architect, author and historian Alan Hess was a guest speaker and helped the Heritage of the Home + History Festival on May 3. at the Historic Fremont Hotel & Casino.
“In our first year in 2015, we presented Alan Hess, a historical lawyer for the preservation, who took part in our first festival with a lecture to start our festival for the home and history festival,” said Dr. Paige Figenbaum, Managing Director of the Nevada Preservation Foundation. “We are very excited that he has held a keynote presentation, the home + history attributed and about the importance of historical preservation in Las Vegas. The Fremont Hotel & Casino is a historical hotel that was built by Wayne McAllister in 1956.”
Another event this weekend, “FACHASTECTURE”, offered a nostalgic view of the 1990s when Las Vegas made extravagant casinos inspired by places in real life. This event examined the differences between authentic experiences and imitations in an interactive photographic journey and shows how imitation can be the sincere form of flattering.
“Las Vegas is known for its constant reinvention, but the story is still very important. Las Vegas offers many rich historical districts that still have many community members who have really contributed to defining and developing Las Vegas,” said Figenbaum. “We really want to emphasize that during the festival. These beautiful historical houses and the people who have made these districts.
Figanbaum became an executive director of the Nevada Preservation Foundation in June 2024.
“I lived in Las Vegas for seven years.
Figanbaum has worked with the Nevada Preservation Foundation through this partnership with UNLV and NPF for two years. As a senior historian, she researched and helped to develop tours for the last two festivals for the home and history of Las Vegas with Amy Raymer, the incoming CEO of NPF.
To make a reservation for Home + History on May 4th or further information, visit Nevadapreservation.org.