A downtown hotel is now listed among some of the most historic places in the country.

The El Cortez Hotel and Casino was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is the nation's official list of cultural resources worth preserving.

The hotel was constructed in 1941 and is primarily Spanish Colonial Revival style. It was remodeled in 1952, when the marquee and rooftop sign were added.

The El Cortez remains one of the oldest establishments on Fremont Street.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and City Councilman Bob Coffin, along with the current owners and the architectural historian Peter Moruzzi, who headed up the effort to get the building on list, were all at Thursday's presentation. 

The festival will combine food, music and art.

The inaugural festival is primed to make a splash Downtown this fall.

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The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has announced the new shows in its summer lineup.

The center continues its eclectic selection with three new performances that range from a one-woman show starring Olympia Dukakis to an acoustic performance by Grammy Award nominee Jewel.

Dukakis will star in "Rose", the story of how a feisty Jewish woman survived some of the major events of the 20th century. The play was written by Martin Sherman. The performance is set for May 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Another summer show will be the return of one of the first groups to take the Smith Center stage. The Tenors will perform their signature blend of classical music and contemporary pop on June 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Jewel will take the stage of Reynolds Hall June 6 at 7:30 p.m. The acclaimed singer and songwriter will perform an acoustic set of some of her greatest hit songs.