This summer may be good

[Doowopper]

Well, this past Winter basically sucked for Wildwood. Hopefully, as many believe, that was the worst. Some good things are already happening for the summer, but have not been talked about here. The Cara Mara Motel is making some really cool renovations. Even there web-site is pure Wildwood Doo-Wop. The Carribean, which was thought to be lost because of it's cheap 1.5 million doallr price tag has been bought by new owners who want to renovate and eventually expand the motel in it's original style. The Loli-Pop motel has been saved and is going to be renovated (inside included). The Shalimar is being renovated and expanded. And finally the new Info center will probably be built. Hopefully we can gain some ground on the condos this summer. The more motels that follow in the footsteps of the Cara-Mara and the Shalimar the better. It's amazing what replacing burnt out neon and a fresh coat of paint can do, and it's nice to see some motels going even beyond that. Hopefully with this new Message Board we can really help the DWPL get things going, because, I don't think we can take a repeat of the 2004-2005 winter. Yes we have lost several buildings but there are plenty left and plenty of people pushing for the "right" future of Wildwood. If only the zoning law can get passed.

[FlyinGN]

Yes thankfully, there are some good things happening in WW:)

[Robert]

The thing I hate the most is the "corporate culture" taking over America. You know, the Wal-Marts, all the townhomes that look alike (in my area there's all kinds of new homes going up across from my house, 20 years ago was a field, now it's homes, mine is the oldest one built in late 1800's, my mom and dad (died 1986) bought the house in 1973 just before I was born. 1/14/74 The houses behind us were built about the mid 20th century) Even amusement parks have that "corporate mentality" that's taking over, like gated admission, some parks metal detectors, sterile, bland theming, in my parks case no dark rides,(in the summer) used to have them, tall coasters and thrill rides added which is probably what the public, especially young people want, high food prices, long lines due to the parks overpopularity because of the new additions and marketing over a wide area PA/NJ/NY, and a military-like operation. Look at Six Flags Great Adv. They added a 400 ft. tall coaster this year just to keep up with the others, they're just feeding into the coaster craze which never seems to end or slow down. I like seaside pier parks, and old-time parks like Knoebels.

[funkychic]

Very happy to hear about the motels/resorts that are staying and getting a face lift. The new owners of the Caribbean have gone all out--this WILL be a good summer:

www.caribbeanmotel.com

While working in Wildwood this winter I watched many motels go down--even the old cabins across from the Caribbean--I also noticed the Singapore's new doors and can't understand what that's about, although if it means the Singapore stays that's better than enduring another pack of McDonald's housing.

The battle isn't just to save the motels, but it's a battle against money. Is there a way to convince owners that saving this architecture for posterity is a far nobler act than selling out to developers? I don't live in Wildwood, or work there regularly, so I have no idea what the community is like, but I imagine that part of the incentive to stay would be to continue to belong to the community. At the same time, renovating is a huge investment; is there any possibility of a fundraiser? TV commercials in big cities filled with midcentury modern enthusiasts like New York (there's something going on right now to save the Plaza Hotel from going condo).

[wildre]

Look at this!!!!!

Three 25-story hotels planned for Wildwood

Here's the link www.shorenewstoday.com/index.htm



Artist's rendition of the proposed 25-story Wildwood Beach "WB" hotel. The amped-up DooWop style hotel will offer meeting space, deluxe rooms, an indoor/outdoor pool, retail and restaurant space and a lobby bar.

WILDWOOD -- Commissioners here have decided that it is time for the city to think big, really big.
They unanimously approved an ordinance last week amending the height requirements in zones 1, 2, and 3, opening the door, and the skies, to the possibility of a 25-story hotel on Atlantic Avenue, the third 25-story behemoth of its kind proposed to fill the city's need for hotel rooms.
Two hotels have already received city approval, and one is in the early planning stages. Each offers a plan for a highly stylized hotel that would offer vacationers and conventioneers first-class amenities and close proximity to the convention center and the sea.

[FlyinGN]

coooooooooooooooooool:)