Hello Robert,

Thank you, if there is a subject matter I’m interested in, my analytical mind goes into hyper mode. I nerd out over it and have a tendency of annoying various people when I go on a rant, (understandably so) lol.

My archeological digging is going to continue until I find with solid evidence the full story behind the pieces.

I have certainly seen these vintage chips from the 40s-70s and some later examples that celebrate the architecture of the Hotel/Casino. I’m a true fan and thanks to you I will be keeping an eye out for these from now on. And I agree they are true works of art, the current versions while attractive, don’t hold a candle to these! I’m going to check out your link..

Our mutual friend George D. First turned me on to this site, suggested I post images of the renderings and to his credit (which I never doubted) has sparked the type of conversation I have been looking for.
He also mentioned the convention in June. I’m going to definitely look into this, I’ll see if I can take a day off from my work schedule to join and bring the renderings with me.
I have a decent amount of Vegas memorabilia that span the gamut between dice, a few limited edition chips (2x $25 denomination from the Wynn from December of 2015 celebrating the 100th birthday of Sinatra and 1x $100 denomination). I’m sure you’ve seen them it’s got that well know photo of a young Steve Wynn and Sinatra pictured together. The great thing is it serves a dual purpose as it was released on the 10th anniversary of The Wynn. A few other chips not worth mentioning but hold sentimental value to me, a beautiful vintage 1993 illustrated map of Vegas often referred to as “Always On The Money”.
Another illustrated map as seen in National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation, and a slew of other stuff. Lastly this gorgeous illustration print 26 or 28/50 titled Wynn Twin Towers
Las Vegas December 2008 by, Jeffrey Schneider marking the opening of Encore in December of 2008. Only 50 made and I remember seeing a few being sold the week Encore opened at the Sundries store next to the hotel tower elevator lobby. This is one example that contradicts our previous discussion about hand drawn vs. computer. Jeffrey worked with Wynn Design & Development (formerly Atlandia Group) and created hand illustrated and colored renderings for both the Wynn and Encore.

Yes I have read quite a few of the books you mention if not most and they are terrific. They are very well documented and written. In fact I was fortunate enough to be one of a handful of co-editors on the coffee table book Las Vegas: The Journey of a Lifetime. thelasvegasbook.com.

My interest in Vegas architecture started in arch school. I visited the office of Marnell Corrao Associates in 1998. The company I currently work for is responsible for a lot of work in Vegas in both the Interiors and Architecture departments. The Interiors team has had a long standing history with various clients in Vegas, and in terms of Architecture The Mansion @MGM Grand. The Venetian were the design brainchild of our company WATG, and we were the Architect Of Record on The Encore working alongside Wynn Design & Development to produce the technical construction documents. The goal is to ultimately end up on a Casino project, and though I’ve been in architecture for 24 years, I’m only in my tenth month and learning the ropes of hospitality architecture. Hotels and Resorts are highly multifaceted projects, but full integrated Hotel/Casinos are an entirely different creature. I’m excited for the opportunity when the day comes.

I promised myself I’d keep this short but in true fashion I rambled.

~Pierre