The fabulousness of ‘60s architecture is fit for a Vegas icon (or two)
Thu, Feb 2, 2012 (midnight)
Backyard view into the 1964 home of Steve Evans.
Photo: Beverly Poppe
Steve Evans has gone out for the evening. He's meeting friends at Oscar's steakhouse and shows us how to lock the door when we leave. Suddenly, we have the run of the place, and before we finally head out, we take one last look in amazement. Here is the gorgeous mid-century modern home of a Las Vegas icon, built by another—the late Flora Dungan, accountant, university regent and state assemblywoman.
Evans has had a long relationship with the home. As a teenager, he'd meet with Dungan and others in the living room as part of a teen organization, and he house-sat when Dungan was away.
The house is a perfect fit for the former planning commissioner (and son of the late Claude "Blackie" Evans, a noted union leader), who serves as an ardent advocate for the preservation of Las Vegas' older neighborhoods.
Steve Evans, a native Nevadan, was raised in Henderson, when Henderson was an Industrial town. Even had a parade to proclaim it so.
His young parents had moved from their Missouri farm in search of a better life. And like most workers of the plants, they lived in the modest housing of Carver Park. It was here where Steve, the eldest of four, and only son, was born to two exceptional people. His father, who passed away in 2007, would go on to become a legendary labor leader and tireless champion of worker rights. His mother continues to live in the family home they built in what was then the desert.
Steve Evans' philosophy for Ward 3 is simple: Nurture neighborhoods, and enable a dense and vibrant Downtown.
These aren't just words. It is what Steve has been promoting for decades. It is what he has worked to achieve in the over 10,000 votes he has cast as the people's voice on the Planning Commission. It is a goal he has inserted in countless decisions and documents which guide our future. It is what he tirelessly pushed when creating the City of Las Vegas' 2020 Master Plan as a Steering Committee member.
by Steve Evans on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 3:50pm
I could not be more pleased and proud that my successor to the Las Vegas Planning Commission, is Trinity Haven Schlottman. Councilman Coffin recommended him, and Mayor Goodman and the Council unanimously voted him into office today. Trinity is known to most of you as the visionary builder of Urban Lofts. His company has created great in-fill communities in areas of Downtown, long-forgotten by others. They are pioneers for redevelopment, and are important catalysts for transforming the City core.
Read more: Trinity Haven Schlottman - New Las Vegas Planning Commissioner
“Steve has worked for years to improve downtown neighborhoods. His approach to planning has been balanced and is always laced with common sense; friendly to both businesses and individuals. Steve deserves our support."
– John Delikanakis, Esq., Snell & Wilmer
“As a long-time homeowner, and President of the John S Park neighborhood association, I emphatically support Steve Evans as our voice on the City Council. There has never been a greater advocate for our neighborhood than Steve. He has been with us on every issue, big and small. His commitment is without comparison. Steve's the real deal, and has been long before we talked him into running in this race. With Steve, you know exactly what you are going to get, because it's what he's already been doing as our Planning Commissioner for nine years, and as a community leader since long before that. More than anyone, Steve has his finger on the pulse of Ward 3, and a great vision for Las Vegas. Please join with me in working to ensure Steve Evans is our representative."
– Bob Bellis, President of John S. Park Neighborhood
"Steve Evans is a founding member of the renaissance of downtown. His support and efforts brought our projects, Soho Lofts and Newport Lofts, the first downtown residential high-rises to fruition. Additionally his support for the arts community has never wavered."
Christopher DeVargas - An exterior view of the new Las Vegas City Hall, Monday Feb. 20, 2012.
It isn't what it could be. But it isn't what it used to be.
That's former planning commissioner Steve Evans talking about downtown and its new public buildings.
I want to thank the Symphony Park folks for featuring me and my very cool Downtown neighborhood in their recent Newsletter. Past recipients of the Downtown Dweller spotlight include, Gina Gavan, Brian "Paco Alvarez, Joey Vanas, Jack LeVine, and Jamie Naughton.....I'd say I'm in some very stellar company!!....What an honor.
My recent pilgrimages to the Smith Center for the Performing Arts give me great optimism for the renaissance of Downtown. Thanks to my friend and neighbor JoNell Thomas, I was able to catch the matinee of The Color Purple. That in just a few short years this remarkable venue has been funded, built, open, and wildly successful - is truly amazing!! Myron Martin, his board, and all the generous donors, have created a cultural cornerstone for our community.....Kudos to you all who are helping bring to life a better tomorrow !!!
With gratitude,
Steve