The Trailblazing Architect Behind Iconic Vegas Buildings

Decades after his passing, mid-century architect Paul Revere Williams is finally getting his due: He was the first Black certified architect west of the Mississippi, the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects, and the first to receive the AIA’s Gold Medal, its highest honor, posthumously in 2017. Despite the prejudices of the era, Williams became known as an architect to the stars, building homes for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant — and in the 1930s to the 70s, left his mark on Nevada’s cityscapes, too.

Today, Dayvid sits down with Nevada Museum of Art curator Carmen Beals to talk about Paul Revere Williams’ Las Vegas legacy. Be sure to check out their upcoming exhibit at the Nevada State Museum, featuring photos of Williams’ iconic Nevada buildings by photographer Janna Ireland, which opens on December 3rd.

Do you have any memories of La Concha Inn, the Guardian Angel Cathedral, or other Paul Revere Williams buildings in Las Vegas? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail or a text message at 702-514-0719 or find us on Twitter @CityCastVegas.

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