City Center Motel
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Las Vegas is more than just lights, it’s a legacy written in neon!
Thanks to people like you, Las Vegas’ neon legacy can endure.
These iconic signs, which once lit up our streets and hearts, are more than just lights, they’re part of our shared story. You have the power to keep their glow alive.
With your support, we can restore these beloved pieces of history, so they continue to inspire and captivate future generations
Every donation helps protect these neon beacons, ensuring the vibrant stories of Las Vegas are never lost.
Join us in preserving this incredible heritage. Together, we can keep the lights shining.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS SIGN’S RESTORATION
City Center sign at The Neon Museum
Photograph of the City Center Motel featuring parking in front of the rooms and the prominent location of the property’s swimming pool.
Photo courtesy of Dorothy Wright Collection, The Neon Museum, undated.
Attributed to Betty Willis, Fabricated by unknown c. 1957
Material(s): Metal, paint, neon
Original donor is unknown, Object ID: 0036.001a
The City Center Motel, which opened c. 1957, is located on 700 East Fremont Street, one block east of the El Cortez. The property briefly reopened as a Super 8 Motel sometime in the 1990s but reverted to its original name in 2005 and has been open as such since. Since its reopening, the City Center Motel has been owned and operated by Raj Patel and his family.
This signage would have been highly visible on Fremont Street. Due to its prominent location in front of the property and because of its bright colors and simple, skeletal neon design, this signage was legible day or night. The upper part of the sign features a double-sided cabinet reading “City Center” with skeletal neon, topped with a cut-out piece of a city skyline of black and white buildings. During the day, the outline of this city skyline is cast onto the ground beneath the sign, resulting in striking shadows and additional learning opportunities.
The design of this sign is attributed to prolific designer Betty Willis, who also designed the Moulin Rouge signage in 1955, which is also part of The Neon Museum collection, as well as the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign in 1959, located at the south end of the Strip.
Restoring this signage would further allow The Neon Museum to share stories related to Betty Willis’ legacy as a designer in Las Vegas, as well as stories relating to the motels and car culture of the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, the City Center Motel also allows us to highlight the stories and perspectives of small business owners in the city.
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We are grateful for every donation that helps bring these iconic signs back to life. Contributions of $20,000 or more will be honored with a personalized donor recognition package. All donations will be recorded in our documented archives. Once this sign is restored, it will be proudly returned to the Neon Boneyard, where we will host a re-lighting event to celebrate its restoration. We truly appreciate your support and thank you for helping us preserve the stories of Las Vegas.