May I introduce you to the Riviera Resort Hotel

[JerseyDigger29]

Hello, everyone, from sunny and chilly Wildwood.

At the Wildwood Zoning Board meeting last night (Monday, 2-27) The board began to hear an application for the construction of the Riviera Resort Hotel to be located (Approximately) between Atlantic Ave. and Ocean Ave. and from (approx) Spicer to Spencer Avenues?

Because the application was presented about 45 minutes before the 10 pm cutoff deadline, the board and the applicant's attornies decided to postpone the formal presentation until A SPECIAL MEETING AT 4 PM ON MARCH 13. At that time, the Riviera will have the entire meeting to itself with no other applications.

Because there was no formal testimony last night I only have a few unofficial specifics I can tell you. (Of course, you know me, I did take a picture of the design). Please keep in mind these are not deffinite since nothing was officially presented.

This is what I know:

1) The new Hotel will be approx. 25 stories with inside parking.

2) It will be located between Atlantic and Ocean, and approximately from Spicer to Spencer???

3) The ownership includes Reg. and Janet Byrne (former head of the GWCOC), their family and other unnamed partners. (From my personal knowledge the Byrnes are longtime Wildwoods residents and suppporters of our Doo Wop tradition - really fine people).

5) The Riviera will SUPPOSEDLY replace the Stardust Motel, the current Riviera Motel, the AA Heart of Wildwood (ONLY THE ONE ON THE WEST SIDE OF OCEAN AVENUE - Not the one on the boardwalk side, which is owned by Mary and Joe Erceg), and the Wildwood Diner - not to be confused by the Pink Caddillac Diner

Once again, these are all unofficial details. From what little I saw last night, it's a breathtaking project in the dead center of the entire boardwalk area. Full details will be released in The Wildwoods Reporter in our March 20 issue. (and I'll be sure to tell you on the forum after the 13th).

Thom

TheWildwoodsReporter.com

Here's the photo, suppposedly of the southern side of the Riviera: (Boardwalk is to the right in the photo).

[JerseyDigger29]

OH, I forgot - Obviously, this project hasn't been officially presented yet and there is no idea of how long construction will take - If approved by the zoning board. This season will not be affected by the Riviera project.

Thom?

[FlyinGN]

mixed feelings here for me..

[mike]

flyingn said:

mixed feelings here for me..

I'm with you it's time to stop knocking down.

[Doowopper]

I like the concept, but I don't think anything with more than 15 floors should be built.

[Al Alven]

First off, thanks for the info and the pic, Thom!

My take on the concept is this -- Basically, all of the classic "Doo Wop" motels in the Wildwoods seem to be on borrowed time. I hate to say it, but the last two years have proven that that is the reality.

Some will obviously survive at least a bit longer into the future, but many have already gone and many more are going to be torn down.

I would much, much rather see these motels replaced by neo-Doo Wop highrises than cookie-cutter condos. It might not be the ideal, but it is our best bet for creating new lodging space and honoring the Wildwoods' unique character and history.

I've stayed at the Riviera many, many times, and used to eat at the Wildwood Diner often. Both institutions, along with the AA Heart of Wildwood location and the Stardust would be missed. But, I believe the concept of the Riviera Resort Hotel is an exciting one.

Thom, a few quick notes/questions, if I may:

You mentioned that the new Riviera would "supposedly replace the Stardust, Riviera, WW Diner and the AA Heart of Wildwood on the West side of Ocean Ave."

I know that details are sketchy, but this just sounds odd, considering that these four properties are not located on the same square.

The Rivera and Stardust are located north of Spencer, and the WW Diner and AA HoW are on the south side.

My guess is that the new hotel would probably replace the Rivera and the Stardust, along with perhaps the Skylark (which is on Atlantic Ave., across Spencer and to the north of the WW Diner), and maybe the Calypso Hotel (which is sandwiched between the back of the Skylark and the west side of the Stardust on Spicer Ave.).

It's pure speculation, so who knows? But that's my best guess.

Also, have you heard anything about the future of the WW Diner? Last year, word seemed to be going around that the diner was sold to new owners who planned to move it and re-open it somewhere on New Jersey Ave.

Guess that never came to be, though.

The diner was put up for auction on eBay not long ago, but I don't know how that ever turned out.

The place is in really bad shape today, at least the exterior. I wonder if it will open this year, and exactly what the future holds, if any, for this old classic (whose better days are obviously long behind it).

[wildwanderer]

alalven said:

First off, thanks for the info and the pic, Thom!

My take on the concept is this -- Basically, all of the classic "Doo Wop" motels in the Wildwoods seem to be on borrowed time. I hate to say it, but the last two years have proven that that is the reality.

Some will obviously survive at least a bit longer into the future, but many have already gone and many more are going to be torn down.

I would much, much rather see these motels replaced by neo-Doo Wop highrises than cookie-cutter condos. It might not be the ideal, but it is our best bet for creating new lodging space and honoring the Wildwoods' unique character and history.

I've stayed at the Riviera many, many times, and used to eat at the Wildwood Diner often. Both institutions, along with the AA Heart of Wildwood location and the Stardust would be missed. But, I believe the concept of the Riviera Resort Hotel is an exciting one.

Thom, a few quick notes/questions, if I may:

You mentioned that the new Riviera would "supposedly replace the Stardust, Riviera, WW Diner and the AA Heart of Wildwood on the West side of Ocean Ave."

I know that details are sketchy, but this just sounds odd, considering that these four properties are not located on the same square.

The Rivera and Stardust are located north of Spencer, and the WW Diner and AA HoW are on the south side.

My guess is that the new hotel would probably replace the Rivera and the Stardust, along with perhaps the Skylark (which is on Atlantic Ave., across Spencer and to the north of the WW Diner), and maybe the Calypso Hotel (which is sandwiched between the back of the Skylark and the west side of the Stardust on Spicer Ave.).

It's pure speculation, so who knows? But that's my best guess.

Also, have you heard anything about the future of the WW Diner? Last year, word seemed to be going around that the diner was sold to new owners who planned to move it and re-open it somewhere on New Jersey Ave.

Guess that never came to be, though.

The diner was put up for auction on eBay not long ago, but I don't know how that ever turned out.

The place is in really bad shape today, at least the exterior. I wonder if it will open this year, and exactly what the future holds, if any, for this old classic (whose better days are obviously long behind it).

I agree with you on this one Al, I would rather see this type of resort being built. Days are numbered for the old motels. But this is definately a plus in design. If places such as this were being built with color, interesting architecture, and the sincere want of fitting into the neo doo-wop then great. Cookie cutter condos are everywhere you look so in a resort town that has been so colorful, bright, and different should remain so, even with new buildings. Let's show WW off !!

[wildre]

Riviera Resort Hotel, ummm be interesting to see how this progresses.
Thom any idea if this will be another condo hotel? There was an interesting article in the WSJ last weekend about their new popularity, seems the jury is still out if these are wise investments.

re

[captain]

Hello all.

From what I have been hearing this project is going to be 2 seperate buildings. One is set to be between Youngs & Spencer (the larger one) and the other will be between between Spencer & Spicer (smaller obviously). Sounds like it is another condo/hotel. Anyone know how a condo hotel is supposed work?

Have to say it does look nice though.

[Al Alven]

captain said:

Hello all.

From what I have been hearing this project is going to be 2 seperate buildings. One is set to be between Youngs & Spencer (the larger one) and the other will be between between Spencer & Spicer (smaller obviously). Sounds like it is another condo/hotel. Anyone know how a condo hotel is supposed work?

Have to say it does look nice though.

Welcome aboard, captain ;D

The two-building concept makes sense here. Thanks for the info.

As for the condotel concept, well, I suppose that some rooms are operated as condo rentals, and others strickly as hotel rooms.

Not exactly sure about all the specifics, though. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

[JerseyDigger29]

alalven said:

First off, thanks for the info and the pic, Thom!




Thom, a few quick notes/questions, if I may:

You mentioned that the new Riviera would "supposedly replace the Stardust, Riviera, WW Diner and the AA Heart of Wildwood on the West side of Ocean Ave."

I know that details are sketchy, but this just sounds odd, considering that these four properties are not located on the same square.

The Rivera and Stardust are located north of Spencer, and the WW Diner and AA HoW are on the south side.

My guess is that the new hotel would probably replace the Rivera and the Stardust, along with perhaps the Skylark (which is on Atlantic Ave., across Spencer and to the north of the WW Diner), and maybe the Calypso Hotel (which is sandwiched between the back of the Skylark and the west side of the Stardust on Spicer Ave.).

It's pure speculation, so who knows? But that's my best guess.

Also, have you heard anything about the future of the WW Diner? Last year, word seemed to be going around that the diner was sold to new owners who planned to move it and re-open it somewhere on New Jersey Ave.

Al, and everyone else - I'll try to do the best I can.

The reporter in me makes it very difficult to put out information that I'm not 100% sure of, so - on a forum, which by nature is meant for everyone to express their personal feelings - I try to get as close to firm information as I can. The problem with the short look at the project last night is that some of it was a little confusing. So I took a ride around the neighborhood today to check out the scant information from last night in relation to the physical layout of the neighborhood.

1) I was told by Reggie Byrne, Jr. that the project will replace the Stardust, Riviera, AA Heart (west), AND THE WILDWOOD DINER. Obviously, that's not all. The area also encompasses several small older houses, at least one older set of condos, and the Skylark - I don't know about the Calypso.

The confusing aspect for me, until I can see the actual blueprints at the meeting on the 13th - is that the agenda for the meeting last night specifically said Atlantic to Ocean and Spencer to Spicer. This is obviously a misprint since Spicer and Spencer are side by side and some of the properties mentioned last night are slightly out of this area.

Another confusing thing was that the picture I posted above, clearly says YOUNGS AVE ELEVATION, and that throws everything off, too.

My best guess: I think I also heard last night that this project will feature TWO separate buildings, maybe connected. Reggie Byrne, Jr. said they are not connected ACROSS a street by an overhead walkway as in one of those AC casinos.

So, it's my guess that they will probably straddle Spencer Ave. with one building on each side, but I can't be 100% sure until the 13th.

One thing for sure, the mystery is killing me.

Thom

P.S. To those who say these neo doo wop skyrises are better than cookie cutter condos, I'm with you. A really big problem I have with all the recent demolitions is how dark the island has become at night. Ride down Atlantic Avenue at night. It's really depressing how dark it is.

I think all these condotels with all that reflective, multi-colored glass and a zillion brightly colored neon lights is really going to brighten up this island again.

If you haven't noticed this lately, check it out soon... The Wildwoods are desperate for light! These sky monsters are going to create a new and brighter spirit for the Wildwoods. I also think the designs they're coming up with are definitely different than the hotels in AC. They're just unique enough to have the whole world talking about us again, like they did in the 50's and 60's.

My belief: A newer and brighter Wildwoods built on the spirit of the old one.



TheWildwoodsReporter.com

[JerseyDigger29]

captain said:

Hello all.
Sounds like it is another condo/hotel. Anyone know how a condo hotel is supposed work?

Have to say it does look nice though.

Captain - From what I've seen with the four approved hotels so far (Leaming and Ocean Avenue - Unnamed, The Nouveau Wave, The Wildwood Beach at Burk and Ocean, and the Starlight on Hunts Pier's parking lot) everyone of them seems to be operated on the same principle: part condos and part hotel rooms.

The way they work is that the condos are owned by individuals and can be either occupied by the owner or put into the "rental pool" when the owner is away. This allows the owner to recoup some of his investment by renting his condo while he's away. (He does not HAVE to rent it, it's up to him). The hotel suites are strictly rented to the public as hotel suites.

That's how a condotel works.

Another thing: Im convinced 99.9% of everyone is confused by the word "CONDO." A few meetings ago, Dan McElreavey gave a presentation to the Zoning Board on how condos work. He said that you could be staying in one of the smaller hotel rooms at one of the mom and pop hotels and think you are in a hotel room when it is actually a condo. And you might not be aware of it.

People confuse the word condo with "cookie cutters."

He said the word condo is not specifically a type of "residence" but in fact is a term for a type of "rental management."

A hotel room can be a condo and a cookie cutter like the ones sprouting up all over the Wildwoods can also be condos. A large closet could theoretically be called a condo, I guess. Condo is just a word for a rental unit that is owned by someone and can be rented to someone else.

Take the El Coronado, for example. At one time it was all hotel rooms. They fixed them up, made them bigger and nicer and now, I think, they are actually condos, even though, from a distance you might think it is a hotel.

This is how I understand what Dan M. was saying to the board. I hope I understand it correctly. If the El Coronado isn't condos, I apologize, I'm just trying to use it as an example.

Anyway, the word CONDO is not a dirty word - it's the specific type of condos (cookie cutters, or row houses) that I think are the problem. Not the word, but the style.

Again, condo is just something that can be individually owned.

I hope I got this right

Thom

[Robert]

Yes, the difference is that the motels were built by different builders, but the condos are built in big batches by the same builder so they look all the same. Example, Motel A might have a Tiki theme, but Motel B might have a space theme. With condos, Condo A is the same as Condo B, as Condo C, etc. The only difference might be the exterior colors. I know how the townhouse developments are sprouting up like weeds in my area, a former rural turned suburban sprawl. They look all the same, you can't tell one neighbor's house from another, except for the number. The loss of neon is starting to be felt, I guess by the person who said it's too dark at night along Atlantic. I have plenty of motel guides from several years. They are all from the all motels still standing years (before 2000). I'm glad I have them with all this happening, not knowing what building is next to go. They show all the motels from the exteriors with neon sign to the pools, even the rooms and lobbies. When I look at them and think about my last visit to WW, when all the motels were there (as well as all the theater buildings and the castle and the Nugget was open) and even back to the early 80's when Hunt's Pier and Castle Dracula ruled the boardwalk, I get sentimental and sad knowing what happened, from Hunt's Pier's dismantling to the Castle Dracula fire to all the motel demolitions of the post y2k years.

[homer]

Thom, right on with the condo explanation. Condominiums can be run exactly like a motel/hotel. To the owner of the condo, it works like a timeshare (when you are not using your condo, it is rented out)...except that you get the revenue from the rentals. I suspect that this is how the Chateau Bleu "conodo-conversion" will work. So don't rule out the possibility of staying there just because it "condo-converted"...they didn't put up vinyl siding...they are still registered as a historic place in the NJ register. They just found a way to get investor money to renovate...pretty smart, I think.

Also, concerning high-rises: Get used to the idea, WW is about to change their land-use law to make it easier on the poor, beleaguered high-rise developers:
wildwoodleader.blogspot.com/2006/03/wildwood-to-make-it-easier-on-high.html

This will make it easier for the Binns/Bonita proect to go forward. (Yes, it suspiciously is missing the part about limiting high-rises on the West side of Atlantic to 15 stories...Hmmm...)

Now, the question remains: Will they put their money where their mouths are?

[FlyinGN]

The El Coronado is still a hotel. We stayed that last summer.


[quote author=jerseydigger29 board=neo thread=1141143398 post=1141187047Captain - From what I've seen with the four approved hotels so far (Leaming and Ocean Avenue - Unnamed, The Nouveau Wave, The Wildwood Beach at Burk and Ocean, and the Starlight on Hunts Pier's parking lot) everyone of them seems to be operated on the same principle: part condos and part hotel rooms.

Take the El Coronado, for example. At one time it was all hotel rooms. They fixed them up, made them bigger and nicer and now, I think, they are actually condos, even though, from a distance you might think it is a hotel.

This is how I understand what Dan M. was saying to the board. I hope I understand it correctly. If the El Coronado isn't condos, I apologize, I'm just trying to use it as an example.

Anyway, the word CONDO is not a dirty word - it's the specific type of condos (cookie cutters, or row houses) that I think are the problem. Not the word, but the style.

Again, condo is just something that can be individually owned.

I hope I got this right

Thom [/quote]