Caribbean Motel facts for kids
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Caribbean Motel
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 Location in Cape May County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5600 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest, New Jersey |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1957 |
| Architect | Morey, Lou and Will |
| Architectural style | Googie |
| MPS | Motels of The Wildwoods MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 05000915 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 24, 2005 |
The Caribbean Motel is a famous old motel in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. It's located in a special area called the Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District. This motel was built in 1957. It has a super cool and unique design called the Doo-Wop style. Lou Morey, whose family built many motels in the Wildwoods, designed it. The first owners were Dominic and Julie Rossi. The Caribbean Motel was the first to use big plastic palm trees. Now, you can see these fun trees at many other Doo-Wop motels nearby!
The Caribbean Motel's History
Building a Unique Motel
The Caribbean Motel opened its doors in 1957. Its design was one of the most exciting after World War II. It featured a swimming pool shaped like a crescent moon. There was also a "levitating ramp" and cool slanted glass walls.
When the motel was planned, its neon sign was huge. No sign that big had ever been put up in Wildwood Crest before. After a lot of discussion, the town finally said yes to the amazing sign.
Saving a Historic Landmark
In 2004, the motel was almost torn down. Luckily, George Miller and Caroline Emigh bought it. They had read a book called How to Doo Wop: the Wildwoods-by-the-Sea Handbook of Design Guidelines.
They were very impressed by the ideas of architect Anthony Bracali. So, they hired him to help restore the motel. The inside of the motel was designed by Darleen Lev. She was a designer from New York City.
Darleen Lev loved the bright colors of old movies. Her designs for the motel looked like movie sets from the 1950s. They also showed off the motel's fun Caribbean theme. The Caribbean Motel was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 24, 2005. This means it's a very important historic building.
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The bright neon sign of the Caribbean Motel.
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The unique C-shaped swimming pool and plastic palm trees.
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A look inside the colorful lounge area.
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A room designed with a 1950s movie set feel.
See also
In Spanish: Caribbean Motel para niños
