The Tramcar Motel is Going Condo – Details Unveiled
In recent months, there’s been plenty of buzz surrounding the Tramcar Motel in North Wildwood.
Locals and visitors noticed that this past summer, the once-bustling motel had closed its doors, leaving many curious about its future.
The website still displayed prices from 2023, and the Facebook page had gone silent with no new updates or photos.
The biggest clue about the motel’s fate came towards the end of summer when the Tramcar branding was removed, and new signs for “Surf Ave Suites” appeared. This change hinted at something more significant than just a rebranding.
To understand the story behind this transformation, we have to go back a bit. In 2022, the Aruba Motel was sold and rebranded as the Tramcar Motel, with the new owners eager to revitalize the property while paying tribute to the iconic Wildwood Tramcar.
Renovations began immediately, with crews working on exterior updates such as a new roof, windows, balcony repairs, and a fresh coat of paint.
To keep up with the tramcar theme, the doors, and some walls were painted to match the colors of the tramcar.
By the summer of 2023, the Tramcar Motel was set for a comeback. However, as the season ended, the motel underwent an even more extensive renovation.
The interior was gutted to update plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems throughout 2024.
The owners also planned to open a new frozen treat shop, “The Frozen Tram Car,” in the commercial space.
But as the market in the Wildwoods shifted, the owners made a tough decision. Running the motel became unsustainable, and they opted to convert the property into condos.
Also See: Pappagallo Announces Closure After 23 Years on Asbury Avenue
The newly rebranded Surf Ave Suites will soon offer condos starting at $299,000. Interested buyers can get a firsthand look at the units during an open house on Saturday, November 2nd.
Each condo will be individually owned and designed with modern amenities, including upgraded kitchens, bathrooms, and high-end finishes throughout.
Residents will also enjoy access to shared outdoor spaces, a pool, and proximity to the beach–just one block away.
For those looking to invest in North Wildwood real estate with the flexibility of a vacation rental, Surf Ave Suites is a great opportunity.
And yes, the exterior did go through another transformation which saw all of the tramcar themes removed including the signs. It also saw the replacement of the railings and the refurbishment of the pool.
While some may feel disappointed about another motel converting into condos, it’s important to recognize the value of adaptive reuse architecture.
In a town famous for its historic motels, it’s nice to see the physical structure preserved rather than demolished.
Stay tuned for more details on the sale of units at Surf Ave Suites–and another property that might soon face the wrecking ball (but that’s a story for another article).