Its contemporaries were built from the desert and stood tall for a few years, only to return to dust at their Vegas-style interment: the implosion. It's the same story told time and again, but not today. It's Thursday, May 5 and the POST Modern is open for viewing. Built from 1931 through 1933 (yes, even this place took less time to construct than the Regional Justice Center), 301 East Stewart was once a post office and the federal courthouse, where it played stage to the 1950 Kefauver hearings into organized crime. The city acquired the building three years ago, and at the beginning of 2005 began the process of restoring it to its original form, preserving rather than erasing a piece of local history.
The end product is still years away, and today, there are few visitors previewing what will become a museum and cultural center. There's a man discussing food and flowers planned for an upcoming gala. He's talking about cheese stations and smoked salmon and different bars, and is surrounded by large displays in the form of oversized postcards, showcasing text and pictures about the building's history, about second-floor light fixtures and about the history of Las Vegas. This man, along with security, a curator and a docent and a few workmen are the only people present. The first floor's displays are stark, but in no way the end product. The city worked hard and fast to open the building up for the month of May, corresponding with the Centennial celebration.
A glance at the ceiling helps summarize what's to come. For years, the original ceiling was hidden by a much lower ceiling, presumably to save on the cost of warming and cooling the old building. Though it's pockmarked and peeling, the sight is still a refreshing change from the spongy-like tiles that were blocking it and the raised windows below it, for decades.
"It's probably one of the most gratifying community projects I've ever worked on," says Nancy Deaner, manager of the city's cultural affairs department. It's a bold statement coming from a lifelong resident who's worked on more projects than its worthwhile to count.
The project began just a few months ago, after the postal employees were transferred to a different Downtown location, and its stretch marks are just becoming apparent—it's an endeavor that's barely begun. Aside from the large postcards, the only display on the first floor is a postal area where there are a few desks with letters piled on them. The upstairs has more of a display feel, with rooms from the different eras of Las Vegas' life. Each room displays the architectural pride that structures once imparted, with stylish columns, moulded ceilings and a solid heft not found in modern local buildings. The physical structure has as much of a story to tell as each of its rooms, which are filled with historic pictures of old Vegas, from El Rancho to the railroad cottages and more. Display cases show off neon bulbs, and there's a film in a small room about the construction of Boulder Dam.
It's a work in progress, and the community is fortunate to be allowed in for a sneak peek. The building is open through May, but after that will only be accessible by appointment, as the extreme makeover takes root. The result will be an impressive facility exploring our colorful past—the real deal, says Deaner, not the revisionist version, as much of history is wont to do. "It's going be an accurate reflection of this city's history," Deaner explains, "and that includes the mob, gaming, it includes all facets of it."
For now, stop by to see the photos and admire the architecture. But most of all, to embrace history in the making.
The POST Modern will be open for docent tours through May 31, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Wednesdays through May 25, panel discussions will focus on the evolution of Las Vegas. All events are free. Call 229-6792.