Clark County Library and Performing Arts Center
Architect(s): Michael Graves, Architect and JMA Architecture Studios
Address: 1401 E. Flamingo Rd.
Year: 1994

This 110,000 square-foot library and performing arts center was the second in the series of branch libraries the Clark County Library District commissioned to be completed by high profile architects. An older library existed on the site previously and the new building was built around the older one's core. Responding to the automobile dominated culture of Las Vegas, the main entrance is on the south side of the building, away from the street it fronts. In typical Graves fashion, the building exhibits a stripped classicism with its massive facades, lack of ornate detail, and simple forms. The walls are etched vertically and horizontally to resemble stone and the exterior colors are orange and pink, making the building stand out in the heavily commercial and residential area. "One of Las Vegas' 10 ugliest buildings"-Las Vegas Weekly, Aug.21-27, 2003.

Hours and location:
http://www.lvccld.org/about/locations/ccl.html

Micahel Graves :: Homepage: http://www.michaelgraves.com/
JMA Architecture Studios: http://www.jmaarch.com/

( additional photos )

Resources available in the ASL:
Anderton, Francis. Las Vegas: A Guide to Recent Architecture . London: Ellipsis, 1997. Arch NA 735 L3 A52

“Clark County Library and Clark County Theater.” Design Quarterly n.168 (Spring 1996): 20-25. Includes project statement and photos. ASL File #: GEN 16

Kroloff, Reed. “The other Las Vegas.” Architecture 85, n.4 (Apr. 1996): 78-89. Includes photos. ASL File #: GEN 1

Nicoletta, Julie. Buildings of Nevada . New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. Includes project description. Arch Ref NA 730.N3 N53 2000

Riechert, Chadwick J. “ Clark County Library and Theater, Flamingo Road Branch.” UNLV Architecture Studies Library, No date. ASL File #: LVA(F) JMA 36

Twardy, Chuck. “Junk Bonds: Why, 10 years after the Hunsberger Controversy, Are We Still Unwilling to Invest in Well-designed Libraries?” Architecture Las Vegas , 2003, 80. ASL File #: LVA(F) HS 18

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: “Building Program Revision: Summary Draft”. October 31, 1990. ASL File #: LVA(F) JMA 5

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: “Clark County Library and Theater Project Description”. No date. ASL File #: LVA(F) JMA 9

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: Clark County Library District fact sheet about Clark County Library. ASL File #: LVA(F) JMA 18

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: “ Design Development Submittal”. November 22, 1991. ASL File #: LVA(F) JMA 4

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: “General history and description of Clark County Library”. No date. ASL File #: LVA(F) JMA 7

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: “Revisions & Additions to Flamingo Library, Architectural Submittal”. July 27, 1990. ASL File #: LVA(F) JMA 6

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: “Specifications for Furniture, Shelving & Accessories”. March 18, 1994/Revised April 13, 1994. ASL File #: LVA(F) JMA 3

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: one-page 8 ½” x 11” handout with floor plans. No date. ASL File #: LVA(F) JMA 8

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: document titled “Building Program for Additions and Revisions to the Clark County Library” from July 1, 1990. ASL File #: LVA(F) RAFI 5

Clark County Library: Las Vegas, NV. Rissman & Rissman Associates UNLV Special Collections holds: preliminary & working drawings; architectural working drawings; structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing on sepia

Information and image(s) also available on ASL's self guided architectural driving tours:
http://www.library.unlv.edu/arch/lasvegas/eastlv07.html#002

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