|
Post by Al Alven on Jan 28, 2005 13:12:51 GMT -5
The main purpose of this thread is to keep a running list of all Wildwood motels that have been or are scheduled to be demolished. Motels rumored to be in danger (or with plans for demolition/new development pending) will also be monitored.
The list will be modified when a motel’s status changes and/or when new information becomes available.
Please add your thoughts and opinions on these motels, along with any news, rumors or other insights you wish to pass along with regard to the status of these buildings…<br> Demolished…
Blue Jay Motel Bonanza Motel Carousel Motel Casa Bahama Motel Casa Nova Motel Catalina Motel Colonial Court Motel Crest Motel Dunes Motel Ebb Tide Motel Flamingo Terrace Motel Frontier Motel Island Time Motel Jay’s Motel Kathy's Motel Lighthouse Motel Memory Motel Monta Cello Motel Nautilus Motel Packard Motel Satellite Motel Sea Rose Motel Siesta Motel Silver Dollar Motel South Beach Motel Tahiti Motel Tally Ho Motel Tempo Motel Three Coins Motel Town & Country Motel
Scheduled for demolition…
Angel Inn Motel Nomad Motel Palm Beach Motel Rio Motel Swan Motel
Status uncertain...
Ala Kai Motel – Rumors of demolition/new development Martinique Motel – Abandoned/neglected for some time now Oceanview Motel – Plans for new development on site pending
|
|
|
Post by Heres another on Jan 28, 2005 17:23:16 GMT -5
Didn't see this one listed. Lighthouse Motel at 16th & Surf; formerly the Bates Motel, Kelly's and Seawill. What a live span. Just got a notice that this is going before the NW planning board on 2/9. From what my soruces tell me the motel is down just waiting for approval to build "7 unit residentail condos".
|
|
|
Post by Al Alven on Jan 28, 2005 17:29:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the addition! I didn't make it up to North Wildwood on my last trip to the island and was unaware that the Lighthouse was going down.
"7 unit residential condos," huh? So sad and, most unfortunately, not at all surprising.
Incidentally, I forgot to include the Packard Motel on my original list. Any word on whether or not it is still standing?
|
|
|
Post by JIMD on Jan 30, 2005 3:43:28 GMT -5
Any truth to the rumor that the Casba Comedy Club is being torn down ? Without the Casba and The Shamrock I would probably put my place up for sale.
|
|
|
Post by Al Alven on Jan 30, 2005 3:56:54 GMT -5
I hate to say it, but I've heard the same rumor.
That doesn't mean that it's going to happen, but, well, it seems like where there is smoke there is fire in the Wildwoods these days, if you know what I mean.
I know for a fact that the Casba is/was for sale. What the ultimate fate of the club will be, I do not know for sure.
|
|
|
Post by squeezix on Jan 30, 2005 11:49:38 GMT -5
Don't forget the Catalina and the Memory Motels both on E. Atlanta in WWC.
|
|
|
Post by AnthonyV on Jan 30, 2005 15:56:36 GMT -5
The weird thing about the MEMORY MOTEL (aka the old Georgeanna Motel) is that it's owner, who I will not identify by name, made sure he went on numerous TV news stations (CNN for example) promoting an urge and need for visitors and community residents to realize the importance of the Wildwoods history by promoting all the remarkable mid 20th century architecture and decor it offered and how motel owner needed to stand strong against the wrecking ball by NOT SELLING and updating the property as he did!
He was even acknowledged by the Doo Wop Preservation League for his efforts in turning the old Georgeanna into something distinctive - supposedly knowing all the time that within a year, he would sell off the property to a developer which he did. I heard this story from one of the fellows who actually negotiated buying this property as well as some other developers in the WWC area who are also aware of the same story - although I have no way of knowing if its true or not it's interestingly sad and perhaps indicative of one way business is being conducted in WIldwood these days.
|
|
|
Post by Al Alven on Jan 30, 2005 19:27:37 GMT -5
Don't forget the Catalina and the Memory Motels both on E. Atlanta in WWC. It's amazing how quickly the Memory Motel has slipped my mind. Perhaps it was the situation surrounding the heavy promotion/eventual demolition of the motel (as outlined by AnthonyV above) that leaves such a sour taste in my mouth regarding this place. The Catalina was a true mid-century landmark, and another in a long line of great Doo Wop Motels that has fallen to the wrecking ball. If nothing else, this list illustrates how difficult it can be just to keep up with all the ones we've lost. At any rate, thanks for the additions, squeezix!
|
|
|
Post by squeezix on Jan 31, 2005 18:32:41 GMT -5
Ah yes, the Memory motel was the Georgianna motel at one point. I agree with you how odd it is that he purchased the Georgeanna..a typical L-shaped motel with a pool in the courtyard, and essentially redecorated it in a (cheezy in my opinion) doo wop style. When I visited WWC in 2001....the last year most motels were standing...I looked at the Memory motel with its Red Lipped slide and rock and roll themed doors and couldn't figure out which "genuine" doo wop motel had been there. Not only did he sell out...he built one hideous condo building on it's site. Too bad. I think there is one more little motel stuffed in there along that road where the Georgeanna and Catalina used to be. The Catalina had an awesome neon sign...kind of the quintessential 50's sign with a star as an apostrophy. Loved it.
|
|
|
Post by Al Alven on Feb 1, 2005 11:37:42 GMT -5
There always seemed to be something very “phony” about the Memory Motel to me, during its short period of existence.
On the surface, the purchase and remodeling of the old Georgeanna Motel seemed to be in line with the relatively-young Doo Wop preservation movement in the Wildwoods at the time. Here was a new owner coming in, saving an old motel (albeit altering it completely) and redesigning it in the flamboyant, gaudy architectural spirit of the island. It even had the “music” theme, which would seem to be an effective play on the resort’s origins.
Still, I never developed any sort of emotional connection to the Memory. Again, that simply may have been because of the fact that it essentially “replaced” an authentic Doo wop motel. It may have also been partially due to the fact that the Memory didn’t last long enough to deserve even a remotely special place in Wildwood lore. It quickly became a footnote, and nothing more.
For some reason, I was not the least bit surprised when I heard that the Memory was being torn down. This, despite the fact that the owner sunk a lot of money into it, dressing the motel up in spectacular fashion and marketing it heavily (not just as a business, but as a major part of the Wildwoods’ Doo Wop-inspired, revitalized future).
In a weird way (and not that I took any personal satisfaction out of this at all), I felt as if my somewhat apprehensive feelings toward the motel were vindicated when its fate was revealed. Despite the owner’s initial efforts, the Memory just never seemed to “fit” in with its contemporaries down in the Crest.
It kind of reminded me, in a way, of the Kamikaze roller coaster on the “New” Hunt’s Pier in the late 80s/early 90s. Both the Memory and Kamikaze were spectacularly designed in their own ways, but seemed to be conceived without properly thought-out vision for the future.
These structures ultimately became two of the most infamous “flashes in the pan” in the history of the Wildwoods.
|
|
|
Post by Al Alven on Feb 1, 2005 11:52:49 GMT -5
Incidentally, I agree whole-heartedly with everything squeezix had to say about the old Catalina Motel. Great mid-century name and design, with that beautiful neon sign being the topper. A 50s classic in every sense of the phrase.
Many of the neon signs from motels demolished over the years have been saved and are in the process of being preserved. I wonder if the Catalina’s sign was rescued, or if it went down with the motel.
There’s a great (black and white) picture of the Catalina, by the way, in the essential book “Wildwood by the Sea,” by David W. Francis, Diane Demali Francis, Robert J. Scully (definitely worth seeking out if you haven’t read it), along with some great old shots of the Carousel, the Ebb Tide and the Skylark (which still exists, on Atlantic Ave. in Wildwood.
|
|
|
Post by susie Q on Feb 1, 2005 18:15:15 GMT -5
I haven't seen the Flamingo Terrace on Pine Ave. in Wildwood on any of the "demolished" lists, but I'm pretty sure it is no longer around.
My family stayed there several times during the 80's. I returned to Wildwood in September 2003 after many years and was surprised to see it was still there. However, when I returned this past Fall, it was gone. I think it's very sad how all of the great Doo Wop motels are disappearing. I have such fond memories of summer vacations in Wildwood.
Can anyone confirm the status of the Flamingo Terrace? It was a cute little place all decked out in pink next to the Beach Holiday.
By the way, great site. I'm enjoying the new message boards.
|
|
|
Post by FlyinGN on Feb 1, 2005 19:04:31 GMT -5
Flamingo is gone:( One of the classics too Frank
|
|
|
Post by Al Alven on Feb 1, 2005 19:04:32 GMT -5
susie, I'm almost positive that you're right about the Flamingo Terrace. I'm going to go double-check to be sure, but I'd be shocked if it was still there, now that you mention it.
|
|
|
Post by Al Alven on Feb 1, 2005 19:11:38 GMT -5
(How about Frank and I, posting ONE SECOND apart?) ;D
On a much more somber note, I have begrudgingly added the Flamingo Terrace to the list.
Another true classic, indeed, that went way before its time...
|
|