In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, the Nevada Preservation Foundation (NPF) commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas by bestowing its bronze plaque to the iconic property at a special event hosted by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman.
The Plaza is the first commercial building to be honored with NPF’s venerable bronze plaque, which celebrates buildings that are at least 40 years old and raises awareness of living history, iconic architectural design, and a building’s historical significance.
“The presentation of NPF’s bronze plaque to the Plaza marks a shift in the organization’s approach to honoring local buildings, legacies and sites, as NPF previously focused on only residential achievements,” said NPF Executive Director Cynthia Ammerman. “We look at living history and buildings realizing the importance of honoring institutional places that are not only iconic to the people of Las Vegas but to the world.”
“The Plaza is very proud of its heritage and excited to celebrate its 50th anniversary,” said Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel, who added the property received approval earlier in the morning to operate at 100 percent capacity. “It is a great honor to welcome guests to the Plaza and to be recognized by the Nevada Preservation Foundation for our unique place in Las Vegas history.”
“The Plaza sits on the site of the 1905 land auction that was the beginning of Las Vegas,” said Goodman, who provided a proclamation from the city of Las Vegas recognizing the Plaza and its significant history.
“What a legacy the Plaza has carried on throughout the years as a preeminent destination in Las Vegas. From Jackie Gaughan, Sam Boyd, Kell Houssels, Senator Howard Cannon and Frank Scott, who were among the early ownership group, to Jonathan Jossel, Poju Zabludowicz and the Tamares team, the Plaza is truly a global icon.”
Several local leaders attended the event, including former Senator Richard Bryan, representatives from the offices of Senator Jacky Rosen, Rep. Susie Lee, Rep. Steven Horsford, Rep. Dina Titus, County Clerk Lynn Goya, Las Vegas Historic Preservation Officer Diane Siebrandt, and members of Nevada Preservation Foundation, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial.
The Plaza’s official 50th anniversary date is July 2. NPF will be coordinating with the Plaza throughout 2021 to celebrate the milestone, including a revamped annual Home + History Weekend and holiday engagement.
