{"product_id":"motels-of-wildwood-postwar-to-present-9780764362934","title":"Motels of Wildwood: Postwar to Present","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThis architectural diary explores the history of midcentury modern motels in Wildwood, New Jersey, from their origins in the Doo Wop decade to their current locations. It highlights the local contractors who created these unique and colorful buildings and their architectural significance. The book includes over 200 photos, many never before published, and maps to locate the motels, which have been demolished or preserved as landmarks. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 160 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 22 May 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Schiffer Publishing Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWildwood, New Jersey, is home to a remarkable collection of midcentury modern motels that have become a significant part of the city's architectural heritage. These motels, characterized by their asymmetrical designs, neon-encrusted exteriors, and swooping rooflines, were created by local contractors rather than architects in the Doo Wop decade of Elvis Presley. This architectural diary aims to document the architectural significance of these motels and preserve memories of their unique charm before they were demolished by developers. The book features over 200 photos, many of which have never been published before, and includes maps that pinpoint the location of the motels, some of which are long gone and others that are still stops on today's architecture tours.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe motels of Wildwood, New Jersey, were born in the Doo Wop decade of Elvis Presley, a time when the city was experiencing a surge in tourism. Local contractors, rather than architects, were responsible for creating these motels, which were designed to attract vacationing families. These motels were characterized by their asymmetrical designs, neon-encrusted exteriors, and swooping rooflines. They were often built on small lots and featured a variety of amenities, such as swimming pools, game rooms, and restaurants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite their popularity, many of these motels were demolished in the 1970s and 1980s as developers sought to build larger and more modern hotels. This demolition left a significant impact on the architectural heritage of Wildwood, as many of these motels were unique and had a significant impact on the city's landscape. However, some of these motels have been preserved and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the most notable motels of Wildwood, New Jersey, is the Surfside Motel. This motel was designed by architect Robert R. Young and was built in 1958. The motel features a unique asymmetrical design, with a large neon sign that reads \"Surfside Motel\" and a pink pylon that extends out over the beach. The motel also features a swimming pool, game room, and restaurant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother notable motel of Wildwood, New Jersey, is the Blue Water Motel. This motel was designed by architect John M. Johnson and was built in 1959. The motel features a unique asymmetrical design, with a large neon sign that reads \"Blue Water Motel\" and a blue pylon that extends out over the beach. The motel also features a swimming pool, game room, and restaurant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite the demolition of many of these motels, there are still a few that remain. These motels are often located in the downtown area of Wildwood and are popular with tourists. Some of these motels have been renovated and updated, while others have been preserved in their original condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the challenges that face the preservation of these motels is the cost of renovation. Many of these motels are in need of significant repairs, and the cost of these repairs can be prohibitive for many owners. However, there are some organizations that are working to preserve these motels, such as the Wildwood Preservation Alliance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Wildwood Preservation Alliance is a non-profit organization that works to preserve the architectural heritage of Wildwood, New Jersey. The organization has been working to raise awareness of the motels and to encourage their preservation. The organization has also been working to secure funding for the renovation of these motels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to the preservation of these motels, the Wildwood Preservation Alliance is also working to promote the city's architectural heritage. The organization has been hosting architecture tours of the city, which allow visitors to see the motels and other architectural landmarks in the city. The organization has also been working to create a historic district in the downtown area of Wildwood, which would include the motels and other architectural landmarks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite the challenges that face the preservation of these motels, there is still hope for their future. Many of these motels are unique and have a significant impact on the city's landscape. By working to preserve these motels, we can help to ensure that the city's architectural heritage is preserved for future generations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the motels of Wildwood, New Jersey, are a remarkable collection of midcentury modern motels that have become a significant part of the city's architectural heritage. These motels were created by local contractors rather than architects in the Doo Wop decade of Elvis Presley and were characterized by their asymmetrical designs, neon-encrusted exteriors, and swooping rooflines. Despite the demolition of many of these motels in the 1970s and 1980s, there are still a few that remain. By working to preserve these motels, we can help to ensure that the city's architectural heritage is preserved for future generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 203 x 254 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780764362934\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jackson Betz","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44097357775098,"sku":"9780764362934","price":17.78,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1654857334913_book.jpg?v=1655095731","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/motels-of-wildwood-postwar-to-present-9780764362934","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}