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Commission directs staff to pursue local motel historic district covering eight properties
Summary
After an intensive survey, staff recommended the Flamingo Inn as National Register‑eligible and five motels plus three signs as locally eligible; the commission asked staff to prepare a local historic district nomination for eight properties (excluding the Best Western Hoover Dam Hotel) and to notify owners for a public hearing.
Broadbent’s Courtney Mooney presented the results of an intensive‑level architectural survey of nine motel properties along Nevada Way and their associated signage. Mooney said the period of significance runs from 1932 (oldest surviving motel) through 1957, and that the survey evaluated each property for National Register criteria and local code criteria.
Mooney recommended the Flamingo Inn (804 Nevada Way) as individually eligible for the National Register under criteria A (association with automobile tourism) and C (architectural character). She said five motels and three signs are recommended as individually eligible for Boulder City’s local register and would contribute to a potential local motel historic district. "As a result of the survey, one property, the Flamingo Inn at 804 Nevada Way, is recommended individually eligible for listing in the National Register under criteria A and C," Mooney said.
Commissioners discussed what local designation would mean for property owners, applicable design guidelines and potential incentives, including RDA grants that can reimburse up to 50% for compatible sign restoration. Commissioners stressed that designation does not necessarily freeze use: Mooney said adaptive reuse and interior alterations are possible so long as compatibility and building code requirements are met.
The commission debated whether to nominate by specific properties or by a boundary (corridor). Mooney recommended a noncontiguous district limited to eligible motel properties (excluding the Best Western Hoover Dam Hotel). After clarifying options and owner notification procedures, Commissioner (speaker 11) moved to direct staff to prepare a local historic district nomination for the eight properties identified in the survey (excluding the Best Western Hoover Dam Hotel); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff will provide property owners with 30‑day notice ahead of hearings and prepare a staff report and recommended boundaries for the commission and city council review.
