Preserve Nevada to release "11 most endangered sites"; three Las Vegas sites flagged

Chair Stodahl announced at the beginning of the commission's May meeting that Preserve Nevada, a statewide preservation organization affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will release its annual list of endangered sites in the next 72 hours.

Stodahl said three sites on the list are located in the City of Las Vegas: the Huntridge Theater, La Concha Motel and what the announcement lists as the Mormon/Stewart Ranch (the Old Mormon Fort historic site). "The Huntridge opened in 1944," he said, and noted the current owner has proposed a detailed restoration plan but litigation with a communications company has delayed the start of restoration and may push work back by a couple of years.

Regarding La Concha, the chair said plans have been discussed to move the motel's distinctive exterior and lobby — work previously associated with architect Paul R. Williams — and that the project remains tentative and the subject of public discussion. On the Old Mormon Fort site (also described in the announcement as Stewart Ranch), Stodahl said the historic structure, built in 1855, faces an uncertain future and that demolition and nearby construction around Cashman Field require planning that includes the site's safety and security.

Preserve Nevada's forthcoming announcement will include more detail; the commission's chair advised attendees to watch for the full release. Preserve Nevada and its ties to UNLV and the National Trust were referenced during the presentation; the organization also maintains an annual list intended to call public attention to threatened historic places in Nevada.

No formal action was taken on the Preserve Nevada announcement during the meeting.