Officials pay to preserve more of Nevada’s history

Tuesday, March 7, 2006 | 7:47 a.m.

CARSON CITY - More than $650,000 in state cultural affairs money will go to four projects in Clark County, including $298,000 to help convert the former downtown Las Vegas post office into a cultural center.

The state Commission on Cultural Affairs, meeting for the first time in Las Vegas to award grants, dispensed $3 million last week to 27 projects across the state.

Requests totaled $7.5 million, but the commission is limited to giving $3 million annually from a $30 million bond issue approved in 2005.

Ron James, Nevada's historic preservation officer, said Monday that the grant toward the $20 million renovation of the post office was the largest awarded this year. Las Vegas had sought $827,000.

The second largest grant awarded - $240,000 - went to the Neon Museum for moving the remains of the La Concha motel on the Strip. While the main part of the building was demolished, its distinctive roof and the lobby were preserved. The preserved area could be used to sell tickets to exhibits at the museum, where more than 200 old neon signs are stored .

Las Vegas also will receive $70,000 for a study on possible future uses of the 84-year-old Westside School, which the city plans to renovate. Beyond its age, the 1922 building is significant because it was one of the first schools attended by Paiute children.

And $50,000 will go to the Junior League of Las Vegas to upgrade the historic Morelli House that now houses the organization's offices.

Since 1993, the commission has dispensed $30 million to preserve more than 70 cultural centers in Nevada, James said.