Commission approves $81,992 grant to restore Star Motel neon sign; owners agreeable to donate sign at end of life

The Centennial Commission approved a grant of $81,992 to MVStar Group to fund restoration and reinstallation of the historic Star Motel neon sign at 1418 South 3rd Street.

Property owner Glenn Plantone described the Star Motel as a 1947-era property and said the restored sign would enhance the streetscape and support historic preservation and economic revitalization of the Arts District. "The property was built in 1947," Plantone said, adding that the sign is an iconic 1940s/1950s feature the applicants plan to restore.

Jeff Young of Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO), which will perform restoration work, said the company will "retain every part of the sign that's safe" and will "use the colors that represent how the sign looked in 1947," while acknowledging some structural components (footing/pole) may be replaced for safety.

Commissioners and staff discussed uncertainty about the sign's exact fabrication date: a UNLV survey had described the sign as from the 1950s while building records show the motel built in 1947. The city attorney and staff agreed they could add contract language to address long-term stewardship. The mayor asked whether owners would be willing to donate the sign to the Neon Museum should it be removed; Plantone said he would be "very much so" willing to donate it and that the owners see themselves as long-term stewards.

A motion to approve the grant was made, seconded, and passed by voice vote. City staff said they will work with the city attorney to add recommended language to the grant agreement specifying responsibilities if the sign is removed or the property changes use.