The famed Oceanview Motel was just purchased for $10 million. The developer, Daniel Alicea, says he plans to preserve its history while taking it into the 21st century.
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Earlier this year, the motel was under threat of being turned into condos.
It closed during the pandemic, with several code violations. Several neighborhood groups and preservationists spent months rallying to protect the motel's lobby.
"We were always watching all of the noise that was happening with this property," said Alicea. "We sat there and said if we had an opportunity we're going to go and get this one and also restore it to its former glory, and give it a modern twist."
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When it's complete, the motel will open as the Madison Resort Wildwood Crest. The 90,000 square feet property will feature 108 rooms with an unobstructed view of the ocean.
There will be private beach access, an updated lobby and more.
"When you incorporate architecture into a building, you can give every modern touch that you want throughout - while still retaining what once was a glorious property," Alicea.
The hotel has a target opening date of Memorial Day 2023. Developers hope to employ 100 locals once the site is up and running.