Modern Vegas

08/15/2026

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08/15/2026

08/15/2026

WELCOME BACK! ⛽️ After sitting vacant and fenced off for years, one of Las Vegas’ coolest surviving pieces of Googie architecture has finally been given the second life it deserves.

Originally built as a Phillips 66 gas station in 1965, this incredible mid century structure sitting where Highland Drive and Western Avenue intersect near DTLV has long been a favorite of ours. With its dramatic butterfly canopy and soaring roadside towers, it’s a reminder of a time when even filling up your car could come with some serious architectural style.

For years, we watched and waited, hoping someone would have the vision and common sense to save it rather than tear it down and replace it with another forgettable modern box. Well, somebody got it right.

The station has been beautifully brought back to life as a 76 gas station, complete with new pumps, a small convenience market and those fantastic orange 76 globes sitting high above the property. Most importantly, the architecture that made this place special was respected and preserved.

We have a feeling this is going to become a favorite stop for fellow mid century lovers. And how long before we start seeing vintage cars lined up at those pumps for photo shoots underneath that spectacular canopy? We’re guessing not long.

These photos were taken yesterday, with a little help from monsoon season. The wet pavement, reflections and dramatic Vegas clouds made a pretty perfect backdrop.

Swipe through to the second to last slide to see how the station looked before the renovation, after years of sitting empty behind a chain link fence.

Huge kudos to the owners for recognizing that sometimes the coolest thing you can build in Las Vegas is something that’s already here.

Old Vegas architecture. New life. Exactly the kind of progress we like to see in . Taken: 8/14/26

06/13/2026

Before there was another modern car wash along East Desert Inn, there was this.

Longtime Las Vegans will instantly recognize the distinctive roofline of the former Gates BBQ from Kansas City, a building that sat on the Eastside for decades and traced its roots back to the 1950s.

By the time I photographed it in 2017, the restaurant had been closed for years. The massive barbecue pit still sat behind the building, a reminder of its past life and the countless meals, conversations, and memories that took place here over the decades.

It wasn’t a famous casino, neon sign, or Strip landmark. It was simply one of those neighborhood buildings that helped give Las Vegas its character.

I’ve always loved this structure. The dramatic roofline, the mid-century influences, and the way it stood out along Desert Inn made it feel like a relic from a different era. It looked like it belonged to the Las Vegas that existed before master-planned communities, chain stores, and endless redevelopment.

One of the things I’ve learned documenting Las Vegas is that history isn’t just found in the big landmarks. It’s also found in places like this. The buildings many people drove past every day without a second thought often end up being the ones we miss the most once they’re gone.

Photos taken during the final days of demolition, June 2017. 😞

06/08/2026

A quick thank you from Modern Vegas.

It’s been an incredible honor to photograph, document, and share the stories of the neighborhoods, buildings, signs, businesses, and people that make this wild city we call home so special.

One of the biggest honors came recently when Modern Vegas was mentioned in a Dwell magazine feature about Paradise Palms (March/April 2026 issue). More than anything, it was rewarding to see a spotlight shine on a neighborhood that has worked tirelessly to preserve an important piece of Las Vegas history.

The story belongs to the residents of Paradise Palms, the early advocates who got the ball rolling, and the many people who have worked behind the scenes over the years. Many weren’t featured in the article, and there are far too many to name, but they know who they are. This neighborhood would not be what it is today without their passion and dedication.

A special thank you to Rachel Davies, Daniel Dorsa, the team at Dwell, the neighbors who opened their homes, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for helping make this story possible.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who follows Modern Vegas, shares stories and memories, and continues to support this journey.

We’re sitting on hundreds, if not thousands, of photographs, stories, memories, and pieces of Las Vegas history that have never been shared publicly. Sorting through it all and properly researching takes time, but we’re committed to bringing more of those discoveries to light in the months ahead.

There are exciting things on the horizon, new stories to tell, and a few big projects in the works. Stay tuned.

We think enough time has passed that we can finally share this article with everyone.

Enjoy.

Modern Vegas 🍸 🦩

03/09/2026

You are looking at a fresh new paint scheme on a classic 1963 home in the historic Paradise Palms neighborhood.

This is a Palmer and Krisel Model 7C with the iconic butterfly roofline, one of the most sought after and photographed models in the neighborhood. With this color palette, there will be plenty of people stopping to admire it and snap photos.

The home belongs to a well known local artist and his family, and the colors were inspired by his love of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne design. It is a subtle nod to those styles and a little different from the typical mid century modern color schemes seen throughout the neighborhood.

If you like what you see here, you can learn more about this home and the family who lives here in the March/April issue of Dwell Magazine. The magazine is featuring a special story on Paradise Palms and several of the great neighbors who call this historic Las Vegas community home. The issue is titled “The Money Issue” and includes honest conversations about the restoration and renovation of these vintage homes, along with the real costs involved in preserving them.

Most importantly, the story highlights what makes this neighborhood so special and why so many people are drawn to live here.

We are proud to share that Modern Vegas helped facilitate this feature with Dwell and worked alongside our friends at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to bring it together.

We are incredibly proud of the homeowners who opened their doors and shared their stories. Be sure to pick up a copy when it hits newsstands this week. More to come on that soon.

Like this paint scheme and house, please show the homeowner some love and hit the like button. We’ll continue to share the vibes that make up . 📸 Taken: 3/7/26

02/21/2026

Hello friends, This is a great opportunity to tour the historic Mesquite Club clubhouse and maybe even find a few treasures while you’re there. All funds raised will support philanthropic efforts right here in the Las Vegas community.

Please help spread the word and support these wonderful women.

02/15/2026

Just hit the market in historic Paradise Palms, and this one is special.

Designed by noted mid century Las Vegas architect Hugh Taylor, and once owned by legendary headliner Bobby Darin (Mack the Knife, Beyond the Sea, Dream Lover), this 1961 home is a true piece of vintage Vegas history.

The three bedroom, two and a half bath single story sits on an 8,000 plus square foot lot and delivers classic mid century architecture throughout. An open floor plan connects the living, dining, and kitchen spaces. Clerestory windows and dual sliding glass doors bring in beautiful natural light and open to a backyard that feels straight out of the swinging 60’s.

And then there is the pool.

An oversized whale shaped pool anchors the yard, framed by breeze block details, patio lighting, and a custom poolside fireplace. It is playful. It is dramatic. It is pure Paradise Palms.

Thoughtful upgrades include a renovated kitchen with stainless appliances, new windows, updated plumbing, new electrical panel, custom pool equipment shed, and a fully finished garage workshop with its own bath.

No HOA. Real community. Monthly socials and quarterly events that still give this neighborhood its original spirit.

Opportunities to own a home connected to a true Las Vegas legend do not come along often. Get ahold of realtor and see this gem before it disappears “Under the Sea!”

Some homes tell a story. This one still sings . 🧜‍♀️

02/08/2026

Death Valley National Park is just a short two and a half hour drive from Las Vegas, and the beautiful nature on display is not the only thing turning heads.

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center, built in 1959 and designed by famed National Park Service architect Cecil Doty, is one of the best preserved examples of Modernist architecture from the Mission 66 era.

Set in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the visitor center is made up of two structures, the Administration Building and Museum Building, surrounding a landscaped courtyard. A perfect blend of function, form, and mid century optimism in the middle of the desert.

Part of the NPS Mission 66 Program, this site played a major role in modernizing America’s national parks and remains highly intact today. Many Mission 66 facilities have undergone major renovations, but some, like Death Valley’s, did not and are now considered historic resources. It has even been deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The building later underwent a major transformation that remained true to its original concept and design. On Sunday, November 4, 2012, a ribbon was cut in the courtyard of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, officially reopening the updated facility with a refreshed interior and new interpretive exhibits. The building is now LEED certified with energy saving features and has received awards for its restoration.

Modern design. Historic purpose. Timeless desert vibes. Who says you can’t enjoy the splendor of a manmade creation in a place full of nature’s beauty?

Pro tip: This is a great time to visit the park, as Lake Manly has filled with water and a magnificent “super bloom” is underway (see last two pics). Worth the drive from .
📸 Taken: 2/7/26