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Las Vegas Hilton 1982 — But What I Really Want pg118
Colorful companion to my memoir The Incompetent Psychic
By fall the flower girl gig was turning into a job with too many rules and half the tips. Earlier that summer Vito had introduced me to the hotel’s brilliant interior architect Devon. In two years since college, the Tropicana had received an exquisite remodel. They had added a three story atrium with thirty-foot columns carved from Italy’s finest quarries, a new tower, convention rooms and many more million-dollar design touches. High as my admiration was for Devon’s phenomenal skill at Versailles inspired design, it wasn’t quite enough to overcome my aversion to his weird, socially graceless persona. — From Chapter 6
These images are the before and afters of my first major big deal project. I was 23 when I designed a new entrance floor for the Las Vegas Hilton—what was then the largest hotel in the world. I was working for the illustrious interior architect. For $5 an hour.
The Hilton spent 1.5 million to install my design in terrazzo marble, where it was trod on by millions of people for thirty-five years. During a visit to Vegas, my photographer sister stopped by the casino, had a friend signal when security wasn’t looking and got a quick pic with her wide angle lens. Getting this photograph is right up there with the best things Catherine has done for me in my life, and there have been so many gifts from my sis. Thank you Catherine!
Signed copies of Mernie’s memoir ship quick from www.etsy.com/listing/839838936
Unsigned copies can be ordered wherever books are sold.
