When a piece of Las Vegas signage history comes back to life, it’s not only a restoration but also the continuation of a story. That spirit is at the heart of YESCO’s latest collaboration with The Neon Museum and El Cortez Hotel & Casino, bringing the vintage “Prime Rib $19.95” sign back to brilliant illumination. Originally installed in 1974 on the El Cortez parking garage, this massive 18-foot by 28-foot sign has long been a symbol of Downtown Las Vegas’ classic charm. Now, thanks to YESCO’s technical expertise, it has officially joined the museum’s permanent Neon Boneyard collection.

Few properties embody the old-meets-new character of Las Vegas quite like El Cortez. The building first opened in 1941 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. The “Prime Rib $19.95” advertisement remains part of the property’s storied legacy. Designed with neon, lightbulbs and backlit plexiglass, the piece once towered over the property’s garage as a lively callout to the classic Vegas steak dinner.

As with many of The Neon Museum’s preservation efforts, YESCO played a central role in the restoration and installation of the El Cortez sign. Through the Museum’s Sign Conservation Fund, and in collaboration with El Cortez, the YESCO team provided the specialized expertise required to bring the vintage piece back to display-ready condition.

While every sign tells a story, vintage neon presents distinctive challenges. Materials weather over time, wiring systems evolve and original fabrication methods often require a blend of historical knowledge and modern engineering. YESCO’s technicians approached this project with the philosophy of respecting the original design, modernizing carefully and preserving the glow. By balancing preservation techniques with updated components, the team ensured the sign remains both authentic to its 1970s design and reliable for long-term exhibition in The Neon Boneyard.

YESCO’s 105-year legacy has always been about more than building signs, it’s about maintaining iconic landmarks. The restoration of the El Cortez “Prime Rib $19.95” sign reflects this philosophy. It serves not only as a nostalgic artifact but also as a reminder of how neon shapes identity, anchors memory and keeps Las Vegas’ visual history alive for generations to come. Visitors can now see the newly installed sign at The Neon Museum.