The ranch house would be preserved and rehabilitated. Its interior would be devoted primarily to interpretive use, with docent-led tours of the primary spaces on the main floor and the courtyard. Non-historic alterations and partitions in the garage would be removed. The original garage would be rehabilitated as a multipurpose room, primarily for academic users. The great room and courtyard would be used for UNLV related receptions and activities.
The ranch house is the centerpiece of the site. Its historic exterior would be repaired and rehabilitated but would not be altered, except for disabled accessibility. One entrance door would be widened, and the courtyard would be regraded with a ramp to allow ADA access between the house and the large patio. The original garage doors (still in place) would be made operable to allow the former garage (future multi-purpose room) to be opened in good weather. The south side of the garage (previously altered) would have folding doors that would completely open it up to the courtyard and pool patio. For safety and sustainability, the existing swimming pool would be retained as a covered cistern; the cover would be designed to suggest the pool’s original aquatic appearance. The barbeque area south of the courtyard would provide a staging area for catering outdoor events.
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Figure 2.2. Thematic Development Details
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Figure 2.3. Thematic Development Details (cont)
The primary historic spaces – the Great Room, Game Room, Guest Bedroom, Boys’ Bedroom, and Kitchen – would be preserved and used primarily for interpretive purposes. Secondary spaces would be adapted for appropriate support functions: a catering prep area and storage. The second floor rooms, which are also historic, are unassigned. Although it is BLM ’s goal that the entire ranch house be open to public visitation and all office space be confined to the bunkhouse or FRTC , these unassigned spaces may be used later for additional interpretive space or meeting space. The former garage, converted in the 1990s to guest rooms, would be reconfigured to its historical single space for interpretive use (exhibits, films, etc.) and for classes and meetings. This room would open on both its north and south walls for use during events on the site or in the courtyard.
All ranch house renovations, such as widening of doors for ADA compliance, electrical improvements, or plumbing upgrades, would be completed in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties (see Section 2.4.5, “Project Design Features” for more information on Project Design Features specific to Cultural and Historic Resources).