Decorative Block That Steve Found In Francisco Park

Well, here's to living downtown & truly being a part of things! I found a decorative block pattern that Jack actually hadn't yet! It was located on the border of Francisco Park and Paradise Palms North. We were touring w/ our new friend Bryan Brey yesterday, looking for mid-mod housing that would be prime for 'green' restoration & functionality when i told Mr. LeVine, our tour guide to throw it in reverse. My 15/20 vision comes through again, we discovered an interesting 4 block composition that I could best describe as a 'honey bee-clover leaf' pattern.

I look forward to bringing you more VVV relevant blogging soon, I apologize for the lag in my personal posting, I'm still unpacking my new digs at L'Octaine on Vegas & Gass (I freakin' love it there.. but g-d I've got a lot of 'stuff')! On top of business as usual, there are some very cool projects I & now VVV are deeply involved with. I'll be bringing you more information on those projects shortly.

Serious Commercialization on Oneida Way

There were about a dozen Paradise Palms homes that face into the back of the parking lot of the Sears Store at Boulevard Mall. The county master zoning plan calls for them to be allowed to be rezoned as commercial space. There's really only been one business operationg that went thru the process, but now it looks like they're going to have some company.

I thought I'd found every single one of them

For one reason and another, I spent most of yesterday in Paradise Palms. It's still one of my all time favorite neighborhoods in all of Vintage Vegas.

While there, I found 2 more decorative block patterns that I had missed. I hope you're looking for all the different patterns as you drive around Vintage Vegas also. I still haven't gotten around to categorizing them all and showing you the whole collection, but I promise I will.

This one just has a squarish hole in it, with rounded corners. It was such a simple design, I missed it, and then I found a home in Paradise Palms where they set it at a diagonal for a stunning effect.

I also found another unique one that I hadn't seen before, and I share it with you.

Another restoration under way in Paradise Palms

The dumpster's arrived and the work is about to begin at one of the great Paradise Palms MID-MODS at 1676 Pawnee Circle. It just closed for 335,000. We're hoping they keep the original kitchens, baths and fireplace. I grabbed the living room shot from the mls. It's my favorite of the Paradise Palms floor plans.

Also, across the street, at the corner of Pawnee Dr. and Pawnee Circle, the chain link fence has come down that surrounded the lot where the fire destroyed the home last year. Hopefully someone's about to build something that will NOT be out of character for the neighborhood. I'm going to do some research.

The buyer on our Paradise Palms listing on Algonquin is a performer in one of the CIRQ shows. I'm told that a lot of the CIRQ folks have their eye on Paradise Palms. No doubt in my mind.

Off to PARADISE PALMS

2-6 pm TODAY (SUNDAY) there's going to be about 20 open houses going on. Our listing on Spencer, for 1,150,000 is available for qualified buyer's to see, but the seller prefers that we not hold a general open house.

I'll be visiting all of them and Rudy will be sitting the open house at 3455 Algonquin Circle.

Also, our favorite lender and team member, Steve Christmas, of Emerald Pacific Mortgage will be there with his laptop to help any buyers who are just getting started to pre-qualify, or to check their credit, or to discuss what they might have to do to one day qualify to buy a home.

Come on out and see what Paradise Palms is all about.

If you go to any of the other open houses, MAKE SURE TO TELL THEM "UNCLE JACK SENT ME!"

Stunning Paradise Palms Mid-Mod (part 1, the back yard)

A Paradise Palms regular reader sent us pictures of the interior and back yard of their personal Mid-Mod Masterpiece. I'm publishing the back yard today, and the interior tomorrow.

If we're going to save our neighborhoods it's important for us to also show the world the interiors and back yards. We invite our readers to share photos or to invite us over to take the pictures.

This is a great example of the wonderful Vintage Vegas homes in Paradise Palms. Enjoy!

And, they tell me the casino neon sign (which came from the Boardwalk Hotel) lights up the whole yard with a tourquoise glow at night!

PARADISE PALMS OPEN HOUSE SPECTACULAR!

THERE WILL BE ABOUT 20 HOMES OPEN ON SUNDAY JULY 22 FROM 2-6PM

Paradise Palms is the mid-mod neighborhood of Kessler and Palmer (famous modernist architects from LA) designed homes.

Some of them are very original, some have been butchered (ie beige on beige and made to look suburban) but in all cases, they're in an amazing come-back neighborhood east of the Boulevard Mall at Maryland Parkway and Desert Inn.

Uncle Jack will be floating around between them all, and David will be sitting the 3455 Algonquin Circle, which is THE BEST DEAL of all the homes being shown at 319k. the price range is 300k to over 1 million. click here to see more photos of 3455 Algonquin Circle.

A day late in reporting on the PARADISE PALMS GOLF COURSE meeting

At the moment, there is only one FACT on the table. There's a commercial RE Broker, claiming that he has undisclosed clients in escrow to buy the golf course, and he only refers to them as "developers". He did not return calls to the press, and was equally vague when he took a call on Tuesday from Chris G. He SAYS they're going to run it as a golf course for about 2 years, and shop for a builder to build houses on the the 132 +- acres.

First, we were most happy to see about 150 people in attendance. We were stunned by the diversity of the crowd. Young, middle and old. Black White Hispanic, Asian and ??. Golf course owners and non-golf course owners. And lots of Vintage Vegas concerned neighbors who don't even live in Paradise Palms. It was standing room only, and spilled out into the lobby.

Second, we appreciate the efforts of David Crawford, the Bennett brothers and their families for putting this together. It brings to mind the first organizing meetings to fight the "Titanic" and the Stratosphere roller coaster. Those meetings led to the formation of hugely successful neighborhood associations for John S. Park, Southridge and Beverly Green. Combined voices all singing the same tune can have huge influence on the world.



Thirdly, a thank you to County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani for her early efforts and for being, as always, on the side of homeowners and neighborhoods and willing to stand up to the forces of the developers and the big money.

Prior to the meeting, Chris G. (as we all call her) told me she was only going to say hello, and give show of support. Instead, she ended up at the podium, along with Dionicio Gordillo from Clark County Planning Dept. for well over an hour. Dionicio explained most of the steps that the developer would have to go thru, and what he's allowed to do, and what he won't be allowed to do with the underlying R-1 zoning that is already in place for the golf course land. He also explained the process of what happens if they want to do anything that would require a variance. Chris G. showed up with a short list of things that could be done, issues that need to be studied, and people who might be able to help. And then it quickly became a LONG list. The audience, in the form of questions or suggestions gave up a whole plethora of ideas and issues. Before they could ever build, there will have to be lots of hearings regarding infrastructure problems with traffic, sewage, water, wetland areas of the wash, the counties plan for walking trails thru the wash, mitigation of property value loss for neighbors, and a whole lot more. The "developer" is in for a HUGE fight, that he may not have the stomach for. The community is dead set against it, and will pull out all the stops to create a symphony of protest. I came away from the meeting feeling that the development of a cookie cutter subdivision of beige on beige, tile roofed, suburban style homes will NEVER GET BUILT on the land of the National Golf Course. I, speaking for myself, am pro property rights. I believe people have the right to do what they want with their property. But they don't have the right to do things that destroy, or harm the quiet enjoyment, property values, or rights of their neighbors. Like so many things in life, nothing is ever perfectly black or white. I expect my friends, neighbors, readers, and clients to help however they can to keep this development from ever taking shape. I'll be involved, and will lend space at VVV to help to spread the word, and further organize the resistance.

We've been sitting on this story

There are only questions at this point.

Paradise Palms is an important neighborhood in Very Vintage Vegas. There's plans afoot to turn the privately owned National Golf Course which sits in the middle of Paradise Palms into another high density housing tract. There's a HUGE impact on Vintage Vegas.

The developers will get a fight from the neighborhood, and there's a meeting tonight at the Las Vegas Country Club to get the neighborhood organized. The meeting is at 6pm at the clubhouse, which you get to from the NORTH Joe W. Brown (Swenson) gate.

I've discussed this many times with Chris G, the county commissioner, as well as with many of the home owners.
The Story made this mornings SUN, so I'm just going to link to the article here and I will give my opinion and commentary tomorrow after the meeting.

My Oh My Mansion!

Ok. I'm stunned. Our newest listing is on 3800 Spencer, and it's got more detail work than your accountant. Over 5,200 sq. ft. of luxury await one lucky buyer in the most extravagant home I've seen in Paradise Palms. (if you want to challenge me, I'd love to post pictures of your home there too.. just email them to me at Jack@unclejack.com). Check out the flyer for the property below by clicking the photo to view it full size in a new window.

First Friday at Vurb Space

Our favorite magazine VURB always does something fun and fresh on First Friday's. This time, we got to meet 3 hot young artists with a real twisted communal funny bone. Lot's of color and lots of smiles eminated from their whimsical work. T-shirts, buttons and badges, wall hangings, sign and cartoons. They seem to have covered the gamut, and they sold a lot of pieces.

And it turns out that "Ripper Jordan" is the name of their little collective endeavor. Mystery solved. James Hough, David Ryan, and Sean Slattery are the creative minds behind Ripper Jordan, and I'm now lucky enough to own a small piece of their work.

Also, a little bird told me that VURB is going to go to 6 issues a year instead of 4, so there's that much more of the new Urban Scene that will get discovered and disected. Congratulation are in order to Phil, Amy and David. Their little upstart magazine has been a big hit.

I was showing homes in Paradise Palms the other day to a broadway actor who's here in the "Producers" show. About 1/2 the homes in PP that I showed had the VURB magazine, and the recent cover article about PP prominently displayed. One had even photocopied the article for prospective buyers to take away with them.

Speaking of Paradise Palms

These are my 2 favorite houses on Pawnee Drive (east off of Spencer).

The one on the left has great colors, swirls of shrubery, and the lines of the house are proudly shown off. What's not to love.

The one below is totally unique, though not original. I love the veritical windows, the grass intentionally growing thru the widely spaced paver driveway, and the rustic look. It's still mid-mod, but but doesn't look like a Palmer and Kessel anymore.

(In case you didn't realize it, you can click on any picture to see a full screen shot of it in a new window)

And I thought mine was big

My Organ Pipe and Old Man cactii, that is. We found these over in Paradise Palms in one of the three often ignored cul-de-sacs that run south off of Desert Inn. They're called Yuma, Aztec, and Ayita Circles. The corner houses have gone commercial, since they side up to Desert Inn, and the end houses back onto the golf courses.

One of the reasons they're ignored is that they have a little more street noise than anything else in Paradise Palms which tends to be very quiet due to to the overwide streets and big trees, large lots and the golf course.

In fact, on Yuma Circle, where I found the extremely tall cactii, I also found 2 homes (I think) with so much greenery that it's hard to believe there's a house hiding behind them. The view is much better on the back side since they have golf course frontage.

The reason I got to Yuma Circle today was to look at a classic "Palmer and Kessel" folded roof mid-mod that came on the market. Carol McLeod from Horizon properties has given me permission to tell about it, and tomorrow it will be one of our featured properties. I needed to see it because somewhere in someone's "uninformed" past, the carport was closed in with concrete block to create a fortress prison look to the once impressive Mid-Mod. I had to see if it could be restored to it's former glory. And the good news is....THAT IT CAN! The bones and angles and fireplace and kitchen are well preserved, the views and view deck are great, and all that really needs to be done is to get the carport back to the way it was meant to be. Interior photos will be up tomorrow in the featured homes.

All that and I was only on one cul-de-sac! Who says there's nothing to talk about in Vintage Vegas? Not me!

Nevada Power....are you there?

After a few years of fighting Nevada power about their median on Spencer in Paradise Palms. I gave in to the idea that they would take no action and we would look at grey rocks. Now they have let the weeds take over. I can't believe that something can't be done to improve this median. Grey rocks are one thing, but neglect is another. After making calls I am still left with no answer. Should we arrange a block party and pull weeds???? Let me know bennation@yahoo.com

Ottawa Drive update!

The newest resident of Ottawa Dr. has been working hard. As I mentioned in an earlier post This home belonged to the last original owner on Ottawa Dr. She sold her home after over 40 years. Now the new owners are busy at the work.

Ottawa drive is one of the premier streets in Paradise Palms. Ottawa Drive is a celebrity lined street and has been home to murders, car bombs and some of the most exciting parties that Vintage Vegas ever hosted.

UPDATE!!!! Paradise Palms welcomes new home!

UPDATE
I apologize for any hard feelings that the new home has created. I as well as many of my peers would rather have a restored property sitting on the corner. As a Paradise Palms homeowner I also have a vested interest in the neighborhood and am pleased after four years to see people restoring, repairing and if necessary re-building their homes and my Blog opinions are mine and mine only and have no affiliation with my mentor's Real Estate career, I welcome all criticism. bennation@yahoo.com

Original Post

The corner of Algonquin and Comanche has hosted lots of hustle and bustle over the last 6 months. A brand new home is almost finished and It's going to be the anchor of the corner. Check it out, the front doors are fabulous and the stucco details are great. Vintage Vegas could use a lot more custom homes.

Youth with a Mission

The Youth with a Mission building on the corner of Pawnee and Oneida has gotten a paint job, The famous pink is gone. This Paradise Palms home has been a youth home for quite some time and all of us in Paradise Palms use it as a landmark. check out the work they have done.

Attention Paradise Palms

I have been trying for years to fight Nevada Power on the subject of the median in the middle of Spencer St. A spokesperson for the power company said "The trucks have to be able to drive on the median, therefore Nevada Power has NO intention of landscaping the median". I proposed that all the residents of Paradise Palms donate $60 to the median fund and we Zero-Scape the area to improve its looks, but I was told to treat it as private property and it belongs to Nevada Power. If enough people call I feel we can reach a compromise. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Las Vegas and the median is not as aesthetically pleasing as our wonderful homes, Lets sign a pettion, Help me Paradise Palms! bennation@yahoo.com

Changes on Ottawa Dr.

The last original owner on Ottawa Drive sold her home a couple of months ago. The new owners have begun constriction and a complete remodel is going on . The custom sunken bar was a wonderful highlight in this 1963 home. I spent allot of time there during the last few days of original occupancy. Updates soon.

Learning about the "mid-mod"

Open Space...Clean Lines...Glass Walls...Casual Living. All elements we're seeing again in the "loft movement" but like everything else, it has it's roots in the past.

Mid Century Modern is what we call it 50 years later, but back in the 50's thru the late 60's it was just "Modern". Being a boomer, it's my favorite style of home. Post and Beam construction set them apart from anything that had come before or after.Huge preservation movements exist in Palm Springs, Orange County, Marin County etc in California.

Locally we have an organization that has formed to preserve the history, architectural integrity and lifestyle of the post war modern housing boom. The "Atomic Age Alliance" has more than just a great name. Check them out here and here and then follow some of their links to get even more educated on "modernism"

Las Vegas has lots of them scattered around, and one neighborhood called Paradise Palms where there's a huge number of them. Some were elaborate, and some were just basic and simple, and when built, extremely affordable.

We've posted about them many times, and you can find all the posts related to any topic by clicking in the labels below each post. All the posts for that topic will open in a new window.

This photo is a home on 17th street north of Oakey that I've always admired.