The Tramcar Motel Coming to North Wildwood

Visitors may know the world-famous Tramcar as the yellow people mover on the boardwalk, but now they will also know it as a Motel name.

The Wildwoods have gained a reputation as the Doo-Wop Capital of the world due to their extensive collection of Mid-Century motels. The 1950s and 1960s were a significant time for pop culture, and the Wildwoods were at the forefront of the trend with the creation of unique and vibrant motels that celebrated the jet age.

The Wildwoods’ architects and builders, including Lou & Will Morey, Harry Lanza, and the Buckingham brothers, drew inspiration from the era’s futuristic design and created iconic motels such as the Caribbean, the Satellite, the Rio, and the Casa Bahama.

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These motels played a significant role in shaping the Wildwoods’ identity as a destination for families and beach-goers.

Unfortunately, in recent years, many of these motels have experienced a sharp decline in business as their owners, who have been running these businesses since they first opened, are looking to retire.

As a result, the Wildwoods have seen a significant decrease in the number of these iconic motels as many of their new owners had decided to turn them into condos, but there looks to be a new trend on the horizon.

Many current motels are starting to see an increase in visitors who want to stay in Doo-Wop style motels but with a more modern feel.

Projects such as Madison Resorts and Seaport Inn are proof that Doo-Wop motels are worth the money to renovate and keep open.

There is a new Doo-Wop motel that will also continue this upward movement.

In early December the Aruba motel, located at 2001 Surf Ave in North Wildwood, was listed online for sale.

The listing went on to say;

“North Wildwood Aruba Motel with 24 Units, Office. Property has Bran NEW Pool with fencing, New Windows, New Flooring, New Washer, Dryer, Some new Furnishings, New Beds, Gecko Roof, Renovated New Coffee Shop with New Sinks, Ansul Hood System, hot water, Sinks, etc. The Property consists of 4- 2 Room Suites, and 2 2-Room Efficiencies, 7 – 1 Room Efficiencies, and 11 motel rooms,. Owners quarters is 2- Room including the office. There is an outside sun deck with approximately 19 parking spots. Coffee Shop leased with multi-years left.”

Many thought this would be sold and turned into condos but the Wildwood Video Archive has found out that, not only will it stay a motel but it is getting a completely new Tramcar theme.

Starting as soon as three weeks ago, the Aruba Motel will now be known as “The Tramcar Motel.”

Crews already started work on renovating the motel, which will be done in different phases.

It is their plan to renovate the entire building. The first phase of the project includes replacing the windows, replacing the roof, fixing the stucco, painting the exterior walls, adding new signs, replacing the fiberglass decks, and more.

Since their opening date is Mother’s Day weekend, they will tackle the interior starting in the fall.

While the current color scheme is made up of red and yellow brick, the new color scheme will be made up of the tramcar colors of yellow and blue.

New signs will be going up this weekend, to replace the Aruba ones, but the coolest thing they are working on is a new iconic sign.

This sign, which will be located on the Eastern side of the building, will be a light-up Tramcar sitting on their roof!

ABS Sign co, which is known for some of the island’s best neon signs, is tasked with this new sign. It’s still in the early phases of design but we know it’s going to be great.

Antney’s Grub is still going to be located on the ground level, serving out their famous cheese steaks, though they are adding a second location at the Jolly Roger Motel this summer. Their front sign will be removed and relocated to the Jolly Roger, but they will still be there serving up grub at the motel.

The Tramcar Motel is currently taking reservations for this summer. Please be sure to give them a follow on their Facebook page.

The Wildwood Video Archive wants to wish the new owners the best of luck with their new motel and thank them for wanting to help keep this Doo-Wop motel in tip-top shape.