A walking distance
from Downtown on Ogden and 9th Street you will find
probably one of the most unusual homes in Las Vegas. officially
listed as the Historic Site, this house was built in 1932 when
Las Vegas was only a small spot on the Nevada map.  What makes
it so different that it took 10 years to build the property with
plenty of help from numerous prisoners populating local jails. The
original owner of the land was nobody else but Mr. Frank Wait, who at
that time held the office of Las Vegas Sheriff and his
laborers were recruited directly from behind the bars where
he had put them himself!
What sounds really like a paradox: it would be
completely illegal to build this house today. For one simple
reason - some of the materials used in construction were
authentic Native American Petroglyphs and stones presently
protected in National Parks and Indian Reservations You can still
see them imbedded in the walls. But those were different times and
the new laws have been passed later.
This impressive property changed hands several times. For a
while dancing crowds invaded the quiet dwelling, setting it
up as a dance studio. Then again it became a private residence.
New owners added more rooms onto the building, making it more spacious
and comfortable. In 1995 the house on 901 Ogden Street became
officially designated as a Historic Site. It is considered today
to be one of the oldest houses in Las Vegas Down Town area.
When the present owners saw the
house's location, they immediately realized its
hidden potential. Only a walking distance from a Court House, and
a true gem of architecture. They could not resist. The deal was
finalized in 2 days and today you are welcome to enter the
gates of
"The Stained Glass Chapel".
The owners, who also collect antiques, promptly
went out of their way to restore and furnish the Chapel with
proper decor. Inside, you will find plenty of unusual objects and
artifacts that remind us of days long gone. Just look at
delicate hand crafted ornaments of the 17th century authentic
pulpit that heard through the years so many sermons. Also, very
beautiful museum quality iron church doors and colorful stained
glass windows remind us of ancient cathedrals.
Outside, an old tree with its huge
gnarled branches casts a shadow so, after the tour of the
house, you
can relax on the patio while listening to the sound of water
flowing lazily in the stone fountain near the pool.
When the hosts will show you all the unusual spots around
the Church, you will instantly know that this place is not like
any other Historic Site.
And you will always remember "The
Stained Glass Chapel." |
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