Chateau Bleu Motel – To Be Demolished – Losing More History
Disappointment is an understatement when describing how many people feel about the decision to demolish the Chateau Bleu Motel in North Wildwood.
Located at 911 Surf Ave, the Chateau Bleu Motel is a quintessential representation of what makes the Wildwoods unique.
Chateau Bleu Motel – To Be Demolished – Losing More History
While Cape May is celebrated for its Victorian charm and Ocean City is known for its condo-lined streets, the Wildwoods have long held the title of the Doo-Wop Capital of the World—a living time capsule of mid-century architecture and neon nostalgia.
During the post-war boom, the Wildwoods experienced a surge in tourism, leading to the construction of more than 200 motels between the 1950s and 1970s.
These weren’t just any motels—they were works of art. Architects embraced the bold and futuristic Googie style, incorporating elements like angular rooflines, starburst patterns, kidney-shaped pools, and bright neon signs.
Some of the most famous examples include:
- The Caribbean Motel – Featuring a floating ramp and a plastic palm tree that still stands today.
- The Lollipop Motel – Recognizable for its playful candy-colored sign.
- The Pink Champagne Motel – A vintage lover’s dream with its retro pink and white facade
These motels were designed to capture the excitement of the Jet Age, where vacationing felt like stepping into the future.
Also See: The Wildwoods Airshow Partial Lineup Announced
In the late 1990s, as modernization threatened many of Wildwood’s classic motels, preservationists formed the Doo Wop Preservation League to protect the island’s unique identity.
Their efforts led to the creation of the Doo Wop Experience Museum, located near the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Despite these efforts, the fight to preserve Wildwood’s iconic motels has been an uphill battle. Over the years, countless Doo-Wop motels have fallen victim to the wrecking ball, replaced by modern condos that lack the charm and character of their predecessors.
The Chateau Bleu Motel now joins that growing list.
Built in the Doo-Wop boom, the Chateau Bleu Motel was a prime example of the Doo-Wop aesthetic, with its distinctive neon sign, open-air hallways, and classic mid-century architectural details, like its famous arch and heart-shaped pool.
For decades, it welcomed vacationers who sought an affordable yet stylish seaside getaway, offering a glimpse into the golden era of the Jersey Shore.
Generations of families returned year after year, creating memories within its retro-themed rooms and lounging by its vintage pool.
This motel was so significant that it was added on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places But this isn’t stopping a developer from demolishing it.
The historic Chateau Bleu is set to be demolished to make way for three single-family homes. The North Wildwood Zoning Board approved the project in a 7-2 vote this past Wednesday which could see the building demolished soon.
There are ways to re-use buildings like the lobby in the design of new housing but it seems that money hungry developers only care about money and not history even though there have been proven records that you can reuse Doo-Wop buildings and be successful.
This has been evident in places like The Vibe, Madison Resorts, Daytona Inn and so many more.
People want the Doo-Wop with the modern amenities and thats the best way we can save Doo-Wop, not by demolishing it.
Below we stopped by the Chateau Bleu Motel for one final tour. Before you watch, please subscribe.