Historic school’s sign goes electronic

At first, it looked as though the Las Vegas Academy wouldn't get a new, electronic sign for displaying news and announcements for the downtown magnet school.

Members of the Las Vegas Historical Preservation Commission were worried its location would block views of the school and that an electronic sign would blemish the school's historic status. The building was given historic designation in 2002.

"This really is a unique, unique building," said commission member Robert Bellis. "This is a gem, and I am concerned about putting this big electronic billboard out there."

But, after about 90 minutes of public input, commissioners approved a slightly modified sign plan for the corner of Seventh and Bridger avenues.

The roughly two dozen proponents -- mostly parents of students at the school -- cheered the unanimous vote.

When installed, the new sign will accomplish two important functions, Principal Stephen Clark said -- advertising school events and proclaiming the name of the school.

That's important because the name on the front of the building now is Las Vegas High School, which was the school's name when it was built in 1931.

It was rechristened the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts in 1992.

"The name of the school is not on the outside," Clark said. "I feel my students are not represented fairly."

Under the revised application, the sign will be about 10 feet farther from the intersection than originally planned. That will make it less of an obstruction to views of the school.

The LED lights will be amber, not red, and the historic commission has to approve the language on a plaque that will be placed on the sign noting the building's historical significance.

The school is part of the Las Vegas High School Neighborhood Historic District.

Its exterior contains both Art Deco and Art Nouveau designs, and the building represents the growth and maturation of Las Vegas during the construction of Hoover Dam.

Parents raised money to pay for the sign. It will replace a sign that was on the spot previously that was damaged and rendered unusable by an errant car, and removed in May.

Commissioners had asked for alternatives to an electric sign.

Dennis Connor of Nevada Sign, the company that's building the display, said the only other option was a white sign with black letters that are placed manually.

That's tedious and time-consuming, Connor said. Furthermore, gusts of wind can whisk the letters away.

And, he added, "I've seen some pretty terrible things spelled out by pranksters ... it's like 'Wheel of Fortune,' except not very nice."

Since the school has more than 100 events per school year, a scrolling electronic sign is the best way to advertise those events, Clark said.

"We will be cycling as many as eight to 10 events," he said. "A manual sign can't do that."

Parent Ron Kirsh said the sign will help spread word of the school's productions and concerts beyond the immediate school community.

"Las Vegas is culturally challenged," he said. "I think the information we'll give on the sign will help that.

"We don't want to touch the architecture of the building. We want to be known. We want to be seen."

The sign should be installed within two weeks, Connor said.