table of contents - clarkcountynv.gov...neighborhood and the liberace mansion, both of which are...

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................3

STATE LAW ............................................................................................................................................3

PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................................3

EXISTING PLANS ..................................................................................................................................3

VISION .....................................................................................................................................................3

II. BRIEF HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY ..........................................................................................3

III. HISTORIC SITES ..................................................................................................................................4

TABLE 1 - CLARK COUNTY HISTORIC DESIGNATION.................................................................4

TABLE 2 - NATIONAL AND NEVADA STATE REGISTER..............................................................5

TABLE 3 - HISTORICAL MARKERS ...................................................................................................8

IV. ANALYSIS ..............................................................................................................................................9

BENEFITS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION .......................................................................................9

HISTORIC RESOURCES DOCUMENTATION ....................................................................................9

PUBLIC SECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................9

V. GOALS AND POLICIES .....................................................................................................................10

VI. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................11

IMAGE CREDITS ..................................................................................................................................11

Clark County Historic Preservation Element 2019 Page 2

I. INTRODUCTION Historic Preservation creates a unique opportunity to showcase the cultural heritage of an area. By preserving and celebrating historic resources, a community can strengthen neighborhoods, encourage local economic growth, and conserve natural resources. In addition, preserving and protecting character-rich older buildings and structures can substantially contribute to vibrant and livable communities (Frey and Bowdon, 2012).

STATE LAW The required elements of a Comprehensive Master Plan are defined in NRS 278.160. The Historic Preservation Element is one of the eight required elements of a Comprehensive Master Plan.

PURPOSE

The Clark County Historic Preservation Element is a policy document that provides guidance for the protection of cultural resources located in the unincorporated areas of Clark County. By providing information about the history of Clark County; listing existing sites with historic designation at the county, state, and national level; and analyzing local historic preservation efforts, Clark County can create goals and policies for protection and reuse of cultural resources. This document builds upon the historic preservation policies that were adopted by Clark County in August 2008. In addition, this document provides background information for the Historic Neighborhood Overlay and Historic Designation standards that are incorporated in the Unified Development Code (Title 30).

EXISTING PLANS

The following is a list of existing documents that help guide the County’s historic preservation efforts: • Housing Element; • Land Use Element; • Public Facilities and Services Element; and • Southern Nevada Strong (SNS) Regional Plan.

VISION

Clark County encourages programs and policies designed to maintain historical, cultural, and archaeological resources through their preservation or adaptive reuse in order to enhance intellectual and social experiences within Clark County.

II. BRIEF HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY Whereas the pre-recorded historic period dates back at least 10,000 years before present with the Southern Paiute (Nuwuvi) and other indigenous groups located in present-day Clark County, recorded history began in the mid-1800’s, and Clark County was officially created on July 1, 1909. Many periods of use, exploration, and settlement led to Clark County as we know it today (Kensler, 1982; Lyneis, et. al., 1978).


Prior to the 1800’s, the area was the exclusive home of indigenous people such as the Anasazi, Puebloan, and Southern Paiute (Nuwuvi) who traversed the region in nomadic tribes. Beginning in the early 1800’s, explorers, fur trappers, and miners started to establish more permanent settlements in the area, and an eventual railroad line connecting Salt Lake City to Los Angeles lead to the establishment of the official Las Vegas Townsite. Starting in 1931 when the Nevada State Legislature legalized gambling, Clark County began the evolution into a gaming, tourism, and entertainment metropolis.

III. HISTORIC SITES

The following tables include historically designated sites in unincorporated Clark County. Table 1 includes sites that have received historic designation by Clark County through the process outlined in Title 30. Table 2 includes sites that are on either the National Register of Historic Places or the Nevada State Register of Historic Places or both (National Register of Historic Places – Nevada, 2017; Nevada State Register of Historic Places – Listed Properties, 2015). The Nevada State Register Program Guidelines are available through the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, and information about the National Register of Historic Places Program is available through the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Table 3 in this section provides information about the State of Nevada roadside historical markers located in unincorporated Clark County, and additional information about this program can be found through the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. Per the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, “[c]ertain sites listed below have been determined as archaeologically or culturally sensitive and their locations are confidential as a condition of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979. Collecting artifacts from public land without a permit from the managing agency is looting, and is a felony under federal law [43 CFR 7] and a misdemeanor under state law [NRS 383.435]. Looting destroys the ability of archaeologists to research these important places and robs future generations of the opportunity to keep learning about Nevada’s past. Please help us preserve important archaeological sites by leaving artifacts where you found them and reporting looting to the appropriate law enforcement officials.”

Table 1

CLARK COUNTY HISTORIC DESIGNATION

Application # Resource Name Location Town Image

ZC-0883-16 Paradise Palms Neighborhood

(Phase 1)

Generally located on the south side of Desert Inn Road, the east side of Oneida Way, the north and south sides of Commanche Drive, and the east and west side of Seneca Drive

Paradise

UC-0849-15 Liberace Mansion 4982 Shirley St. Paradise


Table 2

NATIONAL AND NEVADA STATE REGISTERS

National Register of

Historic Places

(NRIS #)

Nevada State Register of

Historic Places (SR #)

Resource Name Location Town Image

78001720 & 02000114 810050 Sloan Petroglyph

Site Address restricted N/A

02000819 020120 LDS Moapa Stake Office Building 161 W. Virginia St. Overton

92000118 010115 Overton Gymnasium

N. West Thomas St. W of JCT with S. Anderson St. Overton

04001529 040134 St. Thomas Memorial Cemetery

Magnasite Rd. off Moapa Valley Blvd. Overton

09000284 130149 Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Las Vegas Blvd. S., in public right of way, approx. 0.5 mi. S. of

intersection with Russell Rd.

Paradise

91001652 N/A Hunt, Parley, House

Canal St. near jct. with Virgin St. Bunkerville

91001653 N/A Leavitt, Thomas, House 160 S. First West St. Bunkerville

92000121 N/A Goodsprings Schoolhouse

San Pedro Ave. E of jct. with Esmeralda St. Goodsprings

74001142 N/A Tim Springs

Petroglyphs Address restricted Indian Springs

(Image not available)

82003212 N/A

Brownstone Canyon

Archeological District

Address restricted N/A




Historic Places

(NRIS #)




96001561 N/A Camp Lee Canyon

NV 156, approximately 50 mi. NW of Las Vegas,

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Mt Charleston

75001105 N/A Corn Creek Campsite Address restricted Corn Creek

10000443 N/A Gypsum Cave Address restricted N/A

75001106 N/A Hidden Forest Cabin

About 20 mi. N of Las Vegas on Hidden Forest

Rd. N/A

92001161 N/A Little Church of the West 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Paradise

74001143 N/A Mormon Well Spring

N of Las Vegas on Mormon Spring N/A

74001144 N/A Potosi S of Las Vegas off I-15 near Potosi Pass

Mountain Springs

76001141 N/A Sandstone Ranch 20 mi. SW of Las Vegas N/A

74001145 N/A

Sheep Mountain Range

Archeological District

About 20 mi. N of Las Vegas N/A

01000863 N/A

Spanish Trail, Old,--Mormon Road Historic

District

From California border to Arizona across southern

Nevada, through Las Vegas

N/A




Historic Places

(NRIS #)




84000799 N/A

Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs (AZ:F:14:98

ASM)

Address restricted Laughlin

99001083 N/A Spirit Mountain Address restricted Laughlin

08000229 N/A

Spanish Trail, Old,--Mormon Road Historic

District (Boundary Increase)

Near jct. of I 15 & NV 169 Moapa

11000212 N/A B-29 Serial No.

45-21847 (Heavy Bomber)

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Overton

96000126 N/A

Boulder Dam Park Museum (now

Lost City Museum)

NV 169, W Side Overton

82000612 N/A Pueblo Grande de Nevada SE of Overton Overton

85001601 N/A Homestake Mine Address restricted Searchlight

08001392 N/A Walking Box Ranch 6333 W NV 164 Searchlight

N/A 990104 Logandale Elementary

School

State Highway 169 and West Gann Road Logandale

N/A 070147 Pioneer Saloon 310 Spring Street Goodsprings


The State of Nevada established a roadside Historical Marker Program in 1967, which recognizes Nevada’s heritage. The following historical markers are located along various roadways in unincorporated Clark County (Nevada’s State Historical Markers).

Table 3

HISTORICAL MARKERS Marker Number Name Roadway

33 The Old Spanish Trail 1829-1850 Village Blvd 34 The Old Spanish Trail 1829-1850 Nevada State Rd 160 36 Moapa Valley N Moapa Valley Blvd 37 Powell of the Colorado Echo Bay Rd 41 Pueblo Grande De Nevada S Moapa Valley Blvd 102 Goodsprings W Spring St 104 The Camel Corps Laughlin Hwy 115 Potosi Nevada State Rd 160 116 Searchlight Veterans Memorial Hwy 139 Old Spanish Trail (The Journey of Death) Valley of Fire Hwy 140 The Garces Expedition Needles Hwy 142 Old Spanish Trail (Mountain Springs Pass) Nevada State Rd 160 150 Nevada’s First State Park Mouse’s Tank Rd 168 Arrowhead Trail Valley of Fire Hwy 195 The Last Spike Las Vegas Blvd S 214 Rafael Rivera S Mountain Vista St 103 Gypsum Cave (no marker present) Pabco Rd 188 Von Schmidt State Boundary Mon Needles Hwy


IV. ANALYSIS

This section provides an overview of key components that will help Clark County realize the benefits of historic preservation. By providing community leadership through the preservation of resources and promoting education and outreach, Clark County will be able to leverage the benefits of historic preservation.

BENEFITS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION By retaining local identity, historic preservation can benefit communities and strengthen civic pride. Historic preservation can also contribute to the economic development and vitality of a community by promoting local and regional businesses, and it can encourage tourism related to historic resources (White, 1994). In addition, historic preservation can help maintain existing housing that was built in sustainable development patterns that are typically dense and walkable. For example, historic houses are usually in close proximity to shopping, schools, public services like libraries, and often do not require new infrastructure (Rypkema, 2002). Evidence of the benefits of historic designation in Clark County include the recognition of a portion of the Paradise Palms mid-century modern neighborhood and the Liberace Mansion, both of which are located in dense urban areas with ample connectivity to surrounding amenities.

HISTORIC RESOURCES DOCUMENTATION

A historic resources survey would establish a process to ensure that all potential historic landmarks and all potential historic districts are eventually considered for designation. A survey is the method for identifying and gathering data about a community’s historic resources (White, 1994). However, based on the age of the built environment in Clark County and the nascent local efforts towards historic preservation, an informal documentation of potential historic resources would be most appropriate at this time. Clark County staff can utilize aerial imagery to gain a general understanding of Clark County’s layout and historic development pattern. In addition, County staff could consider the impacts to historical resources listed in this document when processing land use entitlement applications and prioritize preservation efforts for the most significant or most endangered resources.

PUBLIC SECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Municipal facilities such as County buildings, libraries, museums, and parks can be some of the most important historic resources in a community (White, 1994). Therefore, preserving and rehabilitating publicly owned cultural resources is an important aspect of historic preservation. Per NRS 383.121, all departments, commissions, boards and other agencies of the State and its political subdivisions shall cooperate with the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office in order to salvage or preserve historic, prehistoric, or paleo-environmental evidence located on property owned or controlled by the United States, the State of Nevada or its political subdivisions. Therefore, continuing to preserve and rehabilitate historic resources controlled by the County complies with state law and has the added benefit of demonstrating leadership to the community about the priority of protecting our heritage. While state law requires protection and intergovernmental cooperation for County owned historic resources, Clark County also encourages residents to nominate private properties to receive historic designation through the Title 30 process. A portion of the Paradise Palms neighborhood and the Liberace Mansion have already received historic designation through this process.


V. GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 1 Encourage community efforts in Clark County that promote the identification and protection of

historic resources and programs in Clark County, including recognition of sites on the State and National registers, as well as those designated by the County.

Policy 1 Keep historically designated areas intact and preserve the distinctive historic, economic, cultural,

paleontological, or archeological character of appropriate residential neighborhoods. Policy 2 Encourage adaptive reuse of historic buildings, whenever feasible.

Policy 3 Ensure that all County owned historic facilities are not jeopardized by development projects, such as but

not limited to facility expansions, remodels, or infrastructure improvements.

Goal 2 Promote cooperation between agencies and non-profit organizations to promote cultural resource protection.

Policy 1 Explore opportunities for collaboration between Clark County, State, and local historic preservation non-

profit organizations.


VI. REFERENCES Frey, Patricia and Rachel Bowdon. “Historic Preservation: Expanding the Planner’s Toolbox.” American Planning

Association, PAS Memo. ISSN 2169-1908, 2012. Kensler, Charles D. “Survey of Historic Structures: Southern Nevada and Death Valley.” URS/John A. Blume &

Associates, Engineers, 1982, pp. 571. Lyneis, Margaret M., Jeanne Clark, Richard McCarty and Tara Shepperson. “Las Vegas Valley Prehistory.”

Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Report 4-1-4, 1978, pp. 12-19. National Register of Historic Places – Nevada. Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. 29 Nov. 2017.

shpo.nv.gov/uploads/documents/Nevada_State_Register_of_Historic_Places_-_Listed_Properties.pdf Nevada’s State Historical Markers. Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. shpo.nv.gov/nevadas-historical-

markers/historical-markers Nevada State Register of Historic Places – Listed Properties. Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. 14 Sep. 2015.

shpo.nv.gov/uploads/documents/Nevada_State_Register_of_Historic_Places_-_Listed_Properties.pdf Rypkema, Donovan D. “Historic Preservation and Affordable Housing: The Missed Connection.” National Trust for

Historic Preservation, 2002, pp. 22. Timeline of Clark County History – People and Events, A Century of Service Centennial, Clark County,

www.clarkcountynv.gov/parks/Documents/centennial/history-timeline.pdf U.S. Territorial Period, New Mexico History.org, newmexicohistory.org/historical-events-and-timeline/us-territorial White, Bradford J., and Richard J. Roddewig. “Preparing a Historic Preservation Plan.” American Planning

Association, 1994, pp. 58.

IMAGE CREDITS Boone, Jim. “Mormon Well Spring.” Mormon Well Corral and Spring. Birdandhike.com. 23 Dec. 2017.

www.birdandhike.com/Hike/DNWR/Mormon_Well/_Mormon_Well.htm Bureau of Land Management. “Petroglyphs in Sloan Canyon.” National Register of Historic Places listings in Clark

County, Nevada. Wikipedia. 29 Mar. 2009. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SloanCynPetro.jpg Cheesyfer. “Thomas Leavitt House – front view.” National Register of Historic Places listings in Clark County,

Nevada. Wikipedia. 26 Sep. 2014. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thomas_Leavitt_House_-_front_view.JPG

Clark County, Nevada. “Camp Lee Canyon – Camp Cabins.” Department of Parks and Recreation.

www.clarkcountynv.gov/parks/PublishingImages/Locations/camp-lee/facilities/Cabbins-2.jpg Expression of Life. “Grass and log reflecting in Corn Creek, Nevada.” National Register of Historic Places listings

in Clark County, Nevada. Wikipedia. 13 May 2009. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Corn_Creek.jpg Google, Inc. “3000 N Moapa Valley Blvd.” Logandale Elementary School. Google Maps. Jun 2013.

goo.gl/maps/DAFPMjas4Pu


Hainer, Bryan. “Caddyshack.” Why is Paradise Palms the Hottest Neighborhood in Las Vegas? DTLV. 5 Feb. 2015. dtlv.com/2015/02/05/why-is-paradise-palms-the-hottest-neighborhood-in-las-vegas/

Las Vegas Review-Journal File. “Liberace’s Mansion at 4982 Shirley Street.” Liberace Mansion to host Puttin’ on

the Glitz fundraiser – PHOTOS. 20 Sep. 2016. www.reviewjournal.com/homes/real-estate-millions/liberace-mansion-to-host-puttin-on-the-glitz-fundraiser-photos/

Laughlin, Nevada. “Christmas Tree Pass Grapevine Canyon.” Christmas Tree Pass, Grapevine Canyon and Spirit

Mountain. Visitlaughlin.com. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. 23 Jan. 2018. www.visitlaughlin.com/listing/christmas-tree-pass-grapevine-canyon-and-spirit-mountain/14176/

Lodge, Spencer. “Hidden Forest cabin is seen in May.” Deborah Wall: Hidden Forest trail gets cooler as you go. Las

Vegas Review Journal. 8 Aug. 2017. www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-columns/deborah-wall/deborah-wall-hidden-forest-trail-gets-cooler-as-you-go/

Lodge, Spencer. “Roasting Pit in the Sheep Mountain Range Archeological District.” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Moore, Larry D. “Little Church of the West.” National Register of Historic Places listings in Clark County, Nevada.

Wikipedia. 15 Aug. 2007. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Little_church_of_the_west_2007.jpg National Park Service. “Old Spanish Trail Segment, Nevada.” Historic Sites, Old Spanish National Historic Trail. 23

Jan. 2018. www.nps.gov/npgallery/GetAsset/BDF1D246-155D-451F-6707572361178813? National Park Service Inventory. “Homestake Mine shafts near Searchlight, Nevada.” National Register of Historic

Places listings in Clark County, Nevada. Wikipedia. 27 Nov. 2008. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Homestake_Nevada_mine_shafts.JPG#file

National Register of Historic Places. “NV Clark County Walking Box Ranch Aerial.” Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. “Brownstone Canyon Pictographs.” 10 Feb. 2016. Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. “St. Thomas Cemetery.” 4 Jun. 2018. Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. “Sandstone Ranch.” 20 Oct. 2017. Pioneer Saloon. “Pioneer Saloon.” Welcome to the Pioneer Saloon!” 2007. www.pioneersaloon.info Seymour, Brett. “The last remaining engine.” National Marine Sanctuaries, Lake Mead, B-29. National Oceanic &

Atmospheric Administration. 31 Jul. 2017. sanctuaries.noaa.gov/maritime/expeditions/b29.html Shebs, Stan. “Ruins at Potosi Spring, on the west side of Potosi Mountain, Spring Mountains, southern Nevada.”

National Register of Historic Places listings in Clark County, Nevada. Wikipedia. 17 May 2008. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Potosi_Spring_3.jpg

Shebs, Stan. “Spirit Mountain from the west, Newberry Mountains, southern Nevada.” National Register of Historic

Places listings in Clark County, Nevada. Wikipedia. 8 Oct. 2006. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spirit_Mountain_from_west_1.jpg

Tadam. “Reconstructed Anasazi Pueblos in Lost City Museum in Overton, Nevada, USA.” National Register of

Historic Places listings in Clark County, Nevada. Wikipedia. 15 Sep. 2008. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anasazi_pueblo_overton.jpg

UNLV Special Collections. “A photograph of an unidentified person sitting in the “Lost City” Pueblo Grande de

Nevada, which is located near Overton, Nevada, circa 1930s-40s.” Pueblo Grande de Nevada: Lost City. One


Online Nevada Encyclopedia, a publication of Nevada Humanities. 5 Oct. 2010. www.onlinenevada.org/articles/pueblo-grande-de-nevada-lost-city

Verduzco, Erik. “The view from inside the Gypsum Cave in Las Vegas.” Fossil from Nevada cave spurs discovery of

extinct horse. Las Vegas Review-Journal. 19 Dec. 2017. www.reviewjournal.com/news/science-and-technology/fossil-from-nevada-cave-spurs-discovery-of-extinct-horse/

Virgin Valley Heritage Museum. “Susan Hunt Home in Bunkerville.” Virgin Valley Heritage Museum. City of

Mesquite, Nevada. 1988.323.0033. 13 May 2005. mesquitenv.pastperfectonline.com/photo/08167429-32AE-4216-A5EE-267844124949

We See Utah. “Rutted remnant of the Spanish Trail on Mormon Mesa, near Mesquite.” Following the Old Spanish

Trail in Nevada. Las Vegas to Zion Road Blog. 27 Feb. 2006. lvtz.blogspot.com/2006/02/following-old-spanish-trail-in-nevada.html

Ymblanter. “Goodsprings Schoolhouse, Goodsprings, Nevada.” National Register of Historic Places listings in Clark

County, Nevada. Wikipedia. 17 Mar. 2012. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Goodsprings_Schoolhouse.jpg Ymblanter. “LDS Moapa Stake Office Building, Overton, Nevada.” National Register of Historic Places listings in

Clark County, Nevada. Wikipedia. 18 Mar. 2012. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LDS_Moapa_Stake_Office_Building.jpg

Ymblanter. “Overton Gymnasium.” National Register of Historic Places listings in Clark County, Nevada. Wikipedia.

18 Mar. 2012. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Overton_Gymnasium.jpg