Las Vegas High School Campus listed in National Register of Historic Places

The Las Vegas High School campus has helped educate local high school students for nearly a century. Now, the National Park Service has commemorated the school’s importance to Southern Nevada by listing it in the National Register of Historic Places.

The National Register recognizes places that have historic and cultural significance, and expands opportunities for grant funding and tax incentives aimed at preserving and protecting these special sites for generations to come.

The Las Vegas High School campus occupies more than 15 acres in downtown Las Vegas and contains a unique assortment of historic buildings, the first of which were constructed in 1930, with the last major building campaign ending in 1971. Today, the campus also houses the vibrant Las Vegas Academy of the Arts.

The campus was listed as a historic district with eleven contributing buildings. This listing recognizes the school’s architectural significance and its importance to the history of education in Las Vegas. The campus reflects both the educational and architectural advancements made from the 1930s through the modern era, with significant upgrades and expansions taking place as a response to the city’s growing population.

“The historic buildings that make up the Las Vegas High School campus are like postcards from the past, representing many differing eras of architecture,” said Rebecca Palmer, Administrator of the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. “Even more important are the school’s educational contributions to generations of Nevadans. This designation recognizes the school’s place in Nevada history and helps preserve its unique past.”

“The Las Vegas High School campus has been at the center of life in the city for nearly 100 years,” Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman said. “It has always been a gathering place for the community and over the years the beautiful architectural styles have blended between Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern to create a unique and pleasing visual experience.”

The Las Vegas High School Historic District includes the academic building and gymnasium, both of which were previously listed in the National Register. Other iconic campus buildings included in the listing are Sunset Hall and Frazier Hall, as well as the auditorium, cafeteria, and courtyard.

For more information about this listing or the National Register program, please call the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office at (775) 684-3448 or email shpo-info@shpo.nv.gov.