Senator (Atlantic City hotel) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Senator
The Senator hotel in Atlantic City, NJ circa late 1930s as represented in a promotional postcard of the era. Post World War II, the hotel would feature a distinctive rooftop "Sky Cabana" sign.
Former names	Hotel Ludy (1930 - 1935)
Alternative names	The Senator Rest Home, King David Care Center (1967 - 1997)
General information
Status	Demolished
Type	high-rise
Architectural style	Romanesque revival
Classification	hotel
Address	166 S. South Carolina Ave.
Town or city	Atlantic City, NJ
Construction started	1929
Opened	1930
Closed	1997
Demolished	June 9, 1998
Height	170 ft.
Technical details
Structural system	rigid frame
Material	steel, brick facade
Floor count	16
Lifts/elevators	3
Design and construction
Architect	Vivian Smith
Known for	Sun-N-Stars Roof
"Things are happening at The Senator"

The Senator was a tall hotel located by the ocean in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It opened in 1930 as the Hotel Ludy. Five years later, in 1935, it became known as The Senator. This 16-story building had a special sign on its roof called "Sky Cabana." Later, in 1967, it changed into a home for older people. The building was sold in 1997 and then torn down in 1998.

The Senator Hotel: A Look Back

The Senator hotel was designed in a style called Romanesque Revival. This style uses elements from old Roman buildings. When it first opened in 1930, it was named the Hotel Ludy.

Early Days and Special Features

Old postcards from that time showed off some cool parts of the hotel. It had a "Solarium," which was a sunny room. This room was modern and colorful. It also had three outdoor decks that looked out over the Boardwalk, the beach, and the ocean. The hotel was known for its friendly and calm atmosphere.

In 1935, the Hotel Ludy joined with another nearby hotel called the Hotel Iroquois. Together, they became "The Senator."

The Senator During World War II

During the summer of 1942, a big change happened. The United States Army rented The Senator. They used it as a training center for the Army Air Force. This shows how important the hotel was during wartime.

The Hotel's Popular Years

After World War II, The Senator became very popular. This was its best time. It was famous for its "Sun and Stars" roof.

The Sun and Stars Roof

The "Sun and Stars" roof was a unique feature. During the day, people could get a tan using special sunlamps. Back then, people thought sunlamps helped you get a healthy-looking summer tan. In the evenings, the same roof area turned into a dining spot. Imagine eating dinner under the stars!

Radio Station Home

In 1955, the hotel became home to a radio station. The station, WLDB 1490AM, had its studios on the eleventh floor. From these windows, you could see amazing views of Atlantic City. The city was known as the "World's Playground."

The Hotel's Later Years and Demolition

Over time, Atlantic City faced some challenges. The Senator hotel also started to decline. By 1965, the hotel had closed its doors.

Becoming a Care Center

In 1967, the building got a new purpose. It became a care center for older people. It was known by a few different names over the years. These names included The Senator Rest Home, ICS Care Facility Retirement Home, and finally, the King David Care Center.

The End of The Senator

In 1997, the care center went out of business. The people living there had to move to new places. The old Senator building closed for good. It was then sold to make way for a new casino. In 1998, the building was torn down. Before it was demolished, some of its decorative terra cotta pieces were saved by a company that collects architectural items.