(A rendering of the Madison Resort, which keeps some flavor from its predecessor, the Oceanview motel. Rendering: Courtesy of Madison Resort Wildwood Crest)

The developers at Madison Resorts are making a significant investment of $28 million in preserving the Doo-Wop architectural style in Wildwood Crest, a Shore resort town in New Jersey. Doo-Wop is a funky, mid-century design style that became synonymous with the town. Over the past two decades, many of the unique Doo-Wop motels in the area have been threatened and replaced with other developments.

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Madison Resorts has taken over a 100-plus-room motel that was originally opened as the Admiral in 1963. Previously known as the Oceanview, the motel was facing the prospect of being replaced by a condominium project. However, Madison Resorts decided to acquire the property and reimagine it while maintaining its original Doo-Wop design. The developers have focused on rebuilding the motel's iconic jet-age lobby, which will feature an asymmetrical blast-off roof reminiscent of futuristic airport terminals from the 1960s. The renovated lobby is expected to be completed and open to the public by the end of July.

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The decision to preserve and restore the motel reflects Madison Resorts' commitment to keeping the Doo-Wop architectural style alive in Wildwood Crest. The development company, based in Cape May, recognized the trend of condo conversions and townhouses in the area and wanted to ensure that the unique Doo-Wop motels were not lost. By investing in the preservation and revitalization of this motel, Madison Resorts aims to contribute to the continued presence and charm of the Doo-Wop style in Wildwood Crest.

(A shot of the old Oceanview property, prior to renovations by Madison Resorts. Photo: Courtesy of Madison Resort Wildwood Crest)

The Wildwoods, comprising Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and West Wildwood, boast one of the largest collections of Doo-Wop architecture in the world. The term "Doo-Wop" was borrowed from 1950s pop music and applied to architecture and design as a way to preserve and celebrate this unique style that faced challenges in the 1990s. The Wildwoods are known for their colorful, space-age aesthetic, which is reflected in the approximately 300 low- to mid-rise motels, restaurants, and attractions found in the area.

While there was a general template for Doo-Wop motels, with two or three stories wrapping around a small concrete pool and accompanied by shuffleboard courts, each motel had its unique features and adornments. These included jutting or curved roof lines, geometric railings, and vibrant colors. Each motel also adhered to a theme, often inspired by the Atomic Age, such as the Satellite and the Stardust, or the popular tiki culture, seen in motels like the Royal Hawaiian and Waikiki. Some motels were simply designed for fun, like the Lollipop, Carousel, and Pink Champagne.

(The famous Lolli Pop, now privately owned condos, in North Wildwood)

The Doo-Wop style had a distinct kitschy charm that brought plastic palm trees and numerous colorful neon signs to the Jersey Shore. The construction boom of these motels began in the mid-1950s after the opening of the Garden State Parkway, which attracted families from North Jersey, Philadelphia, and even French-speaking Canada. To this day, thousands of Quebecois visitors make the 21-hour round trip to the Wildwoods' expansive beaches each summer, and it is common to hear French being spoken on the three-mile boardwalk. The Wildwoods' Doo-Wop architecture and unique atmosphere continue to be a draw for visitors seeking a nostalgic beach experience.

(The Bel Air & The Carribbean, in Wildwood Crest)