The La Concha Motel Lobby
Originally located at 2955 Las Vegas Blvd. South, the sweeping arches of the La Concha Motel lobby defined an era. Built in 1961 by the Doumani family, the La Concha was designed by architect Paul Revere Williams, who was the first African-American member of the American Institute of Architects west of the Mississippi. Although the building was slated for demolition, the Doumani family instead promised the building to the Neon Museum in 2005. In 2006 the shell was relocated, and in 2007 the building was reassembled at its new home. The historic La Concha lobby will serve as the visitor center for the Neon Museum.
African-American architect Paul Revere Williams (1894-1980) was born in Los Angeles to parents who had moved west from Memphis. Orphaned at the age of four, Williams was raised by foster parents who encouraged his creativity and ambition. He graduated from Polytechnic High School determined to become an architect. In 1921 he passed the architectural licensing exam and opened his own office. During his career Williams designed many important buildings. However, he became best known for his design of lavish homes for movie stars and business magnates. He received many honors, including being the first black member of the American Institute of Architects west of the Mississippi, and its first black Fellow.
Paul R. Williams, 1951, Herald Examiner Collection, Los Angeles Public Library.
Paul Revere Williams designed a variety of projects in the Las Vegas area. The first was housing for the thousands of workers at the World War II era Basic Magnesium plant. He also designed the Royal Las Vegas Casino (with John Replogle,) the Las Vegas Racetrack (with Arthur Froehlich,) Berkely Square housing development (now listed on the National Register of Historic Places,) the Guardian Angel Cathedral, the El Moroocco Motel and the La Concha Motel.
Williams was known for his restrained, classical style, but he was also able to adapt to his clients’ needs and desires. The La Concha owners, the Doumani family, had asked him to create something unusual and distinctive that people would notice as they drove into town from Los Angeles. He came up with the giant conch shell-shaped design, at once modern and elegant.
Williams retired in 1973 and died in 1980 at the age of 85. He overcame prejudice by his integrity, hard work and extraordinary talent. Out of the thousands of buildings he designed, Paul Revere Williams may ultimately be best remembered for one that seemed at the time a relatively minor project—the La Concha Motel lobby.
