Illuminating Streetscapes

Fluoresco Lights Up Fremont East District

By David M. Brown

Adjacent to the popular Fremont Street Experience, the Fremont East District streetscaping project revitalized three blocks of Fremont Street, from Las Vegas Boulevard east to Eighth Street. Work on the $5.5 million project began early this year and was completed last month by Las Vegas-based general contractor Las Vegas Paving for the city of Las Vegas.

advertisement

The signage design and installation subcontract was awarded to Tucson-based Fluoresco Lighting & Signs. Their scope included fabricating and installing the environmental graphic elements, including two gateways spanning Fremont Street on both ends of the project; four large-scale median streetscapes, each with identifying cast-bronze plaques; six district identity banners, attached to existing light poles; 11 custom street name signs; and 18 cast-bronze crosswalk medallions, honoring individuals and events in Las Vegas and Fremont Street history.

The focal-point neon streetscapes rise in pairs at two pedestrian crosswalks: a martini glass with a vintage “Viva Vegas” sign and a glamorous dancing girl with a rotating ruby slipper.

“The city is capitalizing on popular nostalgia by reviving the glamour of vintage Las Vegas,” says Scott D. Adams, director for the city’s Office of Business Development and operations officer for its Redevelopment Agency.

Improvements for the Fremont East District also include storm-sewer reconstruction, pedestrian-friendly streets, valet parking and landscaping, Adams says. “The streetscaping is being designed to promote an attractive, walkable experience for both locals and out-of-town patrons,” he adds.

The street elements were designed by Selbert Perkins Design of Playa del Rey, Calif.

All Las Vegas based, Sequoia Electric provided the electrical for the streetlights and traffic signals; Kimley-Horn Associates was the engineer; and Triple J Trenching completed the sewer, water and storm-drain portion on the project.
 
Highway Striping & Signs of North Las Vegas completed the pavement markings and signs, and Newtex Landscape of Henderson did the landscaping.

“The Fremont East project has been an important step toward Fluoresco’s efforts to attract large-scale, creative projects,” says Ladd Kleiman, who leads the company with his brother, Andy. The firm was founded in 1961 and is now one of the Southwest’s largest sign-manufacturing companies.

“Signage is more than letters,” Kleiman adds. “It is an art form - in addition to becoming a landmark for visitors to Las Vegas.” 

Key Players

Owner: City of Las Vegas
Design: Selbert Perkins Design
General Contractor: Las Vegas Paving Corp.
Signage Design/Install: Fluoresco Lighting  & Signs
Engineer: Kimley-Horn Associates
Subcontractors: Newtex Landscape; Triple J Trenching; Sequoia Electric; Highway Striping & Signs

Useful Sources

For additional info and renderings, visit the project’s website at www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Government/7589.htm

Click here for next Feature Story >>