KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasLegacy of La Concha Being Remembered

Legacy of La Concha Being Remembered

(Mar. 31) -- The La Concha Motel will soon be just another memory -- a sacrifice to progress on the ever-changing Las Vegas Strip. But the legacy of the La Concha will not soon be forgotten.

The architect who designed the La Concha -- Paul Williams -- died in 1980. But his work is still seen around the world and part of it will still be seen here in Las Vegas, at least for a couple of more months.

Paul Revere Williams was known as the architect to the stars. Williams designed the homes of Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball and thousands of other buildings still standing today, such as the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles -- and part of LAX.

Karen Hudson says what he enjoyed was working with people who had imaginations. Karen Hudson is Paul Williams' granddaughter. She says her grandfather overcame many challenges decades ago, many having to do with the color of his skin.

Karen Hudson says he developed a determination, a will to succeed despite the basic obstacles of the day. He was practicing in 1921. In that day it was inappropriate for him to lean over a white client, or to stand next to, so he learned to draw upside down.

Williams put his magic touch to the La Concha Hotel on The Strip in the late 50's and 60's.

Dr. Janet White says: "I think we're very lucky to have one of his buildings in Las Vegas." Dr. White is a professor of architecture at UNLV and a member of the historic Las Vegas preservation committee.

White says she's sad to see to see the motel go. "Las Vegas tears things down so fast there would be no history left if someone didn't try and preserve it. The life span of buildings is so short here."

Hudson says she's comforted by the fond memories of her grandfather in Las Vegas. "It was a fun place for him. The things he did in hotels, and La Concha, and private residences -- that was a new playground when he was up there.

The developer says he's keeping the memory of Paul Williams alive. The Majestic -- the name of the new hotel -- will have a lounge and bar dedicated to Williams. Plans are to take all of Williams' designs and merge them with pictures at the bar so patrons will be able to appreciate the work of a groundbreaking architect.