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For decades, the starburst-shaped neon emblem of the 24th Street Motel served as a beacon to travelers and a familiar landmark to locals near the southern end of North Wildwood's Surf Avenue strip. After nearly a half-century of proud operation, the motel closed its doors for the final time in September of 2005. It was promptly demolished in favor of new condominiums.

Featuring the space-age Sputnik-inspired sign (rotating ball with spikes), the Pan Am was built and owned by the Morey family and was likely a family favorite. Reportedly, some of the Morey family made the Pan Am penthouse their permanent residence at one time--even raising their kids there. The fourth floor was added in 1966-71, and penthouse 1970-71.

The Crusader was designed in 1968 by Clement F. Wasleski, Jr., who had received his architecture degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1956. The motel's theme is reinforced by a crenellated wall along Ocean Avenue, as well as by a colossal representation of a medieval figure and shield. Unusual that it has a pool on the second floor for a better view of the ocean.

Renowned for its classic Art Deco facade and prominent location on bustling Atlantic Ave., the Shore opened as a single-screen theater in the fall of 1939. Three decades later, it became a twin theater; it would eventually become part of the 'Shore 4' complex along with its next door neighbor, the Blaker Theater.

One of the Wildwoods' more unique structures, the Singapore is highlighted by its centerpiece structure, which was built to resemble a "pagoda temple." Signage for the motel is provided by an interior lit sign to the south of the motel. An Asian style fence protects the pool from parking. The Singapore was renovated and repainted prior to the 2005 season.

Located on the Wildwood Boardwalk across from what was the "Fun Pier". If you're in the mood for some great food, and a fabulous fifties atmosphere, head on down to the Wildwood boardwalk. At the Doo Wop you can either extinguish your hunger with one of our classic 8 oz. Burgers, or indulge your sweet tooth with a milkshake or a Doo Wop Sundae.

Operating on one of North Wildwood's largest motel properties, the Thunderbird was for years a primary icon of the famed Surf Avenue strip. Likely one of the island's first resort-type offerings, it featured a bar/restaurant/nightclub structure built into the complex, and an Olympic-sized pool in a courtyard completely protected from the street. The Thunderbird was perhaps best known for its year-round operating schedule. Sadly, it fell to the wrecking ball, along with so many other motels in the area, after the 2005 season.

The Holly Court complex, which ran east to west from Ocean to Atlantic Ave. at Baker Ave. in Wildwood proper, was a series of rambling bungalows. Not a motel, in its purest sense, but still typical of the mid-century architecture and commericial lodging landscape of the Wildwoods at the onset of the "Doo Wop" era.

Splashed in vivid orange trim and decked out with vintage, light blue room curtains, the Mango is a small, but charmingly distinctive motel tucked away deep in the heart of Wildwood proper. In addition to its color scheme, this "hidden gem" is best known for it's simple-yet-effective roadside sign, which features the motel's name in exotic-style font and a neon palm tree design.

While the Crest lost many high-profile motels during the 'condo boom' of the early 2000s, several others disappeared very quietly and with little fanfare. The diminutive Avanti, unfortunately, was one of the latter.

The Taffy Walk is a proposed six-story "condotel," which would replace the old Doris Vernon Hotel on the 300 block of E. Pine Avenue.

* Please note that the 2009 opening date is a speculative estimation at this point in time.

Morton's featured an Art Deco-style exterior, with clean geometric lines and stainless steel elements (signage and borders). Most likely built in the late 30s/early 40s, it was a precursor of sorts to the full-blown 'Doo Wop' trends that would emerge in the following decades.

Sand Jamm moved into its new, two-story location at 2701 Boardwalk (northwest base of the old Hunt's Pier) for the 2006 season. The original store was located at 3916 Boardwalk.

Originally known simply as the Safari Motel, the American Safari is a longtime favorite on the northern end of Wildwood Crest's Ocean Avenue strip. It is most notable for its unique animal theme, eye-catching bright yellow-and-white color scheme and Neo-Doo Wop roadside sign (which replaced a plastic backlit version in 2006).

An architectural expression of the creavitiy, exuberance and optimism of the nation at the dawn of the Space Age, the Satellite was arguably Will Morey's masterpiece, and one of the Wildwoods' signature "Doo Wop" landmarks. Despite a valiant effort to save it, the motel was closed and demolished after the 2004 season, setting off a wave of redevelopment (particularly in the Crest) that winter.

Thematic representations of far away lands and cultures are one of the celebrated focal points of 'Doo Wop.' For whatever reason, traditional Asian themes never took off in popularity as prominently as, say, Polynesian designs on the island did. Whether it's because or in spite of this, the Jade East has always been a standout in its own right. This diminutive classic, though often overlooked, is one of the oldest and most distinct structures in North Wildwood's upper motel district.

Heralded today as the Wildwoods' quintessential "Doo Wop" icon, the Caribbean was designed and built by the legendary Lou Morey in 1958.

Kidney-shaped pool. Upper story additions completed in 1969. The west wing is three stories high with a butterfly roof. The first bay of the first floor is open and used for parking under the rooms above. The motel is clad in white stucco, with a light brick veneer around the additions. A flat-roofed rectangular annex is located east of the motel and is frame building clad in wood clapboard.

Today, on the former location of the HofBrau, stands the Beach Terrace Motor Inn. The HofBrau holds a special place in Wildwood and American pop culture history. It was there on April 12, 1954 that Bill Haley and the Comets first performed "(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock," the smash hit that is credited by some with kick-starting the era of Rock n' Roll.

Built at the height of the Tiki/Polynesian-pop craze of the early 1960s, the Tahiti served as one of the Wildwoods' best (and most detailed) examples of exotic-themed architecture. The demolition of the motel after the 2004 season was viewed as one of the most significant Doo Wop losses during the "condo boom" years.

The Cape Cod, renowned for its classic spinning lighthouse rooftop sign, has long been regarded as one of the premiere motels in the Crest. Located in the Doo Wop Historic District. The motel is owned and operated by the Graiff family, which built and opened it back in 1966. The Graiffs originally owned the Pink Champagne Motel, on Atlantic Ave. in Wildwood proper.

From the website: The Starlight will feature 264 suites. These suites include 2 and 3 bedrooms. Wildwood's Starlight Resort Hotel and Condominiums will feature a 200 seat restaurant, convention room, business center with high speed internet access, indoor, outdoor pool, health spa, 2 Sun Decks, and valet parking, as well as plenty of parking for the residence and guests.

Owned and operated by Paul Russo, Cool Scoops is a retro-50s ice cream parlor, and one of the island's best examples of Neo-Doo Wop architecture. The existing structure once operated as the Golden Way Motel. Put a quarter in the Juke Box, reminisce in their retro diner room, or just relax and watch your favorite oldies on their Vintage Television.

Though one might not suspect as much in looking at it today, the Ship Ahoy is regarded as one of the forerunners of the 'Doo Wop' motel-style movement in the Wildwoods. The structure debuted on the northwest corner of Ocean and Taylor back in 1939 (today the site of the Aquarius Motor Inn). It was later moved to its current location, on Washington Ave., just west of New Jersey Ave.

Nice understated in design, the Ocean Spray was one of the perfect ocean view spots in North Wildwood. It was flanked on either side by The Coral Reef Motel on 7th and John F Kennedy Drive, and it's near twin Cozy Morely's (now the Alanté) on 9th. The Ocean Spray had a blue and white theme which originally incorporated curved railings and palm trees with a street side light up sign. Amenities included a pool and shuffleboard, color TVs were wall mounted and every room came with director's chairs on their outside porches. It was demolished around 2000 and condos have since been built in it's place.

The Starlux opened in the Spring of 2000, but was actually a renovation of the Wingate Motel (1953). Philadephia architect Richard Stokes was commissioned by the Morey Organization to head the transformation process. From their website, "Step into the StarLux and be swept away to another era - when Doo Wop ruled and life was simpler."

The New Doo Wop Museum is a partial reincarnation of the inimitable Surfside Restaurant. The museum, crowned with the spared roof that was saved in storage for a number of years, is lit with bright blue neon bulbs. It is "Brimming with cool artifacts, fun memories, fascinating history and bright neon lights" - per the Doo Wop Preservation League website.

The Blaker opened as a vaudeville house at the turn of the 20th Century, but would undergo many changes and transformations over the years. At the time of its demolition in early 2006 (along with the neighboring Shore Theater), it was, by far, the oldest and most storied movie theater in the Wildwoods.

A staple on the Crest's Ocean Avenue strip for years, the Surfside closed after the 2002 season. Though it was scheduled for demolition, the Doo Wop Preservation League raised the funds to have the structure dismantled and kept in storage. It has been rebuilt, and is ready to re-open as the new Doo Wop Museum, at Ocean and Burk Ave. in Wildwood proper.