The Las Vegas housing market was among the most inflated and most severely affected in the nation. One long-term consequence has been a large inventory of foreclosed and vacant properties, which attracted opportunistic renters and, in some cases, squatters.
Recently, friends of ours took ownership of a mid-century modern ranch home in a historic Las Vegas neighborhood. The house features classic local built-ins: painted woodwork, colored tile, mirrored accents, and a lava-stone fireplace surround—elements that give it distinctive Las Vegas character.
When they first arrived as the new owners, however, they discovered the previous occupants had left extensive graffiti throughout the house. Spray paint had defaced several original features, marring the home’s vintage charm and forcing an unexpected restoration project.
Determined not to be discouraged by this criminal act, Luke—the homeowner—has committed to restoring the property to its original Las Vegas glitz and mid-century appeal. The cleanup and restoration will take more time and effort than he originally planned, but he’s staying focused on preserving the home’s character.
Ace Hardware has stepped in to support the renovation. They donated paint from their Clark + Kensington line and the staff at the local Ace store have offered practical advice and product suggestions for cleaning and remodeling this classic residence. Their involvement is a good example of how local businesses can assist homeowners working to preserve historic properties.
Beyond the Strip, Las Vegas contains pockets of mid-century modern neighborhoods that reflect the city’s architectural past. These areas need owners who value preservation to protect original homes from being replaced by generic McMansions. Restorations like this one help retain the distinctive identity of older Las Vegas neighborhoods.
We’re grateful to Ace Hardware for supporting the community, and we look forward to seeing the finished restoration. Has a home you’ve owned ever been vandalized upon move-in? If so, how did you approach the repair and restoration process?