At a time when luxury towers and cookie-cutter condo and retail sites now dominate America’s landscapes, older buildings often fall victim to gentrificiation. Thankfully, Philadelphia-based photographer Mark Havens has embarked on a 10-year exploration to preserve the memory of some of the nation’s most colorfully ecclectic and iconic architecture: the vanishing motels of the Jersey Shore’s Wildwood. The summer beach town contains the highest concentration of hotels and motels from ’50s and ’60s in the United States, an eerie time capsule of neon that echoes Florida’s Art Deco retreats of the same era.
Here, the tiger and giraffe figures at the Compass Motel miniature golf course are wrapped in plastic with duct tape at the end of the season to protect them from the harsh winter ahead. Photograph shot in 2008.
Courtesy Mark Havens via Abrams Publishing
The whimsical sign of the Lollipop Motel in North Wildwood has been a beacon to guests for decades. Photographed by Havens in 2007.
Mark Havens photographed the Breezy Corner Motel in 2004, the year it was demolished.
Courtesy Mark Havens via Abrams Publishing
Havens captures the symmetry and color of the Blue Marlin Motel. Shot in 2005.
The signature pirate statue atop the Jolly Roger Motel in 2007. The motel was built in 1960.
Courtesy Mark Havens via Abrams Publishing
The colorful doors of the Rus-Mar Motel in 2007.
Courtesy Mark Havens via Abrams Publishing
The neon sign of the Isle of Capri Motel, photographed in 2006, glows just after sunset.
Courtesy Mark Havens via Abrams Publishing
Photographed in 2007, the poolside of the Bel Air Motel is adorned with faux palm trees.
Courtesy Mark Havens via Abrams Publishing
The distinctive yellow neon sign of The Swan Motel was photographed in 2005. The motel was demolished later that year.
Courtesy Mark Havens via Abrams Publishing
Photographed in 2005, the Kona Kai Motel and Hi Lili Motel have since been demolished.
Courtesy Mark Havens via Abrams Publishing
Out of Season is available for purchase through Abrams Publishing.
Courtesy Mark Havens via Abrams Publishing
