Doo Wop Wednesday: Jay’s Motel (1952-2004)

Often credited as the first motel in the Wildwoods, Jay's Motel was a relatively unassuming "motor court"-style complex that occupied the northwest corner of Atlantic & Hildreth for over half a century.

Consisting of one and two-story stucco clad buildings, Jay’s was built during the winter of 1951-52 by the Morey Brothers, Lou and Will, and opened the following Spring.

Though the motel did not incorporate many of the wild architectural elements that would come to define the "Doo Wop" style during the mid-century era, it’s opening did help pave the way for many of the structures that followed over the next two decades.

Jay's also purportedly played host to a number of celebrities during its heyday, including such big stars as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

The property was rundown by 1996, but enjoyed a nearly decade-long resurgence after being purchased by new owners that year. It would eventually become a victim of the condo craze that swept the island, falling to the wrecking ball in June 2004.

(Photos here are from May 2004.)

Each Wednesday, we'll spotlight various examples of "Doo Wop" architecture (past and present), and/or news and progress reports pertaining to preservationalist efforts in the Wildwoods.