Thursday, May 13, 2021

Ruins of the Wheaton Howard Johnson Motor Lodge garage, pool deck (Photos)


The former Howard Johnson Motor Lodge (later a Best Western and the Ambassador Apartments) and restaurant structures at the corner of University Boulevard W. and Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton were demolished last year. But a few architectural relics remain on the site. Here are some photos of the motel's parking garage and pool deck, which remain standing. 


According to historical promotional materials for this Howard Johnson, it was free to park in this garage. Besides the pool, other amenities included air conditioning, "ice," TV, radio, "direct dial phone," roller and ice skating(!), sauna baths. Swanky transportation was also at hand, as "limousines stop from all major airports." Definitely a Thursday Throwback to the golden age of Wheaton and Montgomery County! Now, the property is the future site of the Wheaton Gateway development.
















4 comments:

  1. Did this HoJo's have any historical designation?

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  2. I don't think it did thanks to the supreme power for that. Is was visually disturbing.

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  3. Here is the demolition underway last year:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUyaqnrxgb4

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  4. it would be cool to see any old pictures of the pool deck when it was operational.

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