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The Chateau Bleu Motel in North Wildwood, a classic example of the region's iconic "Doo Wop" architecture, is set to be demolished despite efforts to save it. The North Wildwood Zoning Board voted 7-2 to approve a plan to replace the historic motel with three single-family homes, as reported by the Daily Voice on Thursday (March 20).
The Chateau Bleu, built in 1959, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is celebrated for its vibrant colors, retro neon signage, and distinctive mid-century design elements like its heart-shaped pool. Despite its historic status, there are no local ordinances in North Wildwood to protect such properties from demolition, according to the Wildwood Video Archive.
The decision has sparked disappointment and frustration among preservationists and fans of the "Doo Wop" style. John Donio, president of the Doo Wop Preservation League, expressed concern over the loss of one of the finest examples of mid-century resort architecture on the East Coast. The league, dedicated to preserving Wildwood's unique architectural identity, has urged local residents to demand change to prevent further losses.
The Chateau Bleu's demolition is part of a broader trend in the Wildwoods, where many of the area's 200-plus "Doo Wop" motels have been replaced by modern developments. The Society for Commercial Archeology notes that the Wildwoods were once known for their quirky motels and rock-and-roll venues, but much of that history is vanishing. As the Chateau Bleu prepares to join the list of lost landmarks, the debate over preserving Wildwood's architectural heritage continues.