Architecture + Community: Las Vegas Citizens’ Committee for Historic Preservation

2018 NMAF Award Winner
For devoted individuals or groups who have made a significant effort
to stimulate public understanding and appreciation of architecture and in their community. 

Downtown Las Vegas. Source: https://www.facebook.com/Las-Vegas-NM-Citizens-Committee-for-Historic-Preservation

Castaneda Hotel. Source: https://www.facebook.com/CastanedaHotel/

Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center. Source: http://www.lvcchp.org/about-us.html

In 1977, Las Vegas Citizen’s Committee for Historic Preservation’s (LVCCHP) was formed to encourage the preservation and appreciation of the area’s historic resources for the benefit of the community. Over the years membership has grown steadily and they have accomplished a great deal.

The organization’s mission is “To preserve, protect and promote the historic, cultural, and architectural heritage of greater Las Vegas through education and advocacy, and to encourage economic development through restoration and rehabilitation.”  The activities, achievements, and mission of the LVCCHP promote much of the same direction as the New Mexico Architectural Foundation.

Anyone who has visited Las Vegas has seen the fruit of this group’s efforts. Their website lists some of their accomplishments:

Preserve and protect historic, cultural, architectural heritage:

• Nominated 918 Las Vegas buildings for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places
• Helped the City of Las Vegas write an Historic Buildings Ordinance
• Helped the City of Las Vegas obtain Certified Local Government status so that it would receive funds for preservation
• Purchased and renovated the Winternitz Building, 116 Bridge Street

​Promote historic, cultural, architectural heritage:

• Conducts annual events that include: “Places with a Past Tour” historic home and building tour, “Garden Tour,” and “Holiday Home Tour”
• Developed a Virtual Walking Tour that offers an interactive component of its website
• Became a Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center
• Presents “Glimpses of the Past” (in cooperation with Ft. Union) – a series of historic lectures
• Maintains an archive of old photographs and a library
• Develops and shows exhibits
• Presents seminars about preservation and economic development opportunities

It appears the entire town has taken on the responsibility to preserve so many historic structures, and the LVCCHP has played an important part in raising awareness in support of preservation in Las Vegas.