Did you know that the oldest building on the UNLV campus arrived long after the campus itself? That’s the story of Houssels House Center for Social Justice. It stands here as a testament to preservation and community.
Originally built in 1933, Houssels House wasn’t always here. Imagine it downtown near Charleston Boulevard. Back then, a Las Vegas Review-Journal article called it the “most modern” home in Nevada. It had luxuries like a cedar-lined closet and a glass-enclosed shower.
The house first belonged to attorney Harley A Harmon. You might recognize his name from Harmon Avenue near campus. Later, casino pioneer J Kell Houssels Jr bought it.
As commercial buildings began to surround it, the Houssels family stepped in. In 1983, they donated the house to UNLV. The university planned to use it as an architecture studio. Moving the house cost $20000.
Tragedy struck the day after the move. An arsonist set fire to Houssels House. The fire destroyed the roof and much of the interior. Ray Lucchesi, the architecture school coordinator, raised over $70000 to restore it.
J Kell Houssels was deeply involved with UNLV’s growth. He served on the Nevada Southern Land Foundation board. This organization helped UNLV acquire land for expansion. Houssels also had a long career in the gaming industry. He was a managing partner at the El Cortez and a principal with the Showboat Casino.
Today, Houssels House Center for Social Justice stands proudly. This 2500-square-foot building is home to the Multicultural Center. It provides a space for student groups to gather. Houssels House is more than just an old building. It represents the history of Las Vegas. It shows the commitment to social justice. It is a place where students connect and build a more equitable future. So next time you pass Houssels House, remember its journey. Remember the people who saved it.