Film Star: A Classic Baltimore Movie Palace Shines Again
The Parkway’s 1915 exterior contrasts with its new addition.
From Preservation Magazine: Architect Steve Ziger admits he gets a lot of questions about one of his firm’s latest projects, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway in Baltimore. “Is it finished yet?” people ask him when they see the interior of the newly preserved 1915 theater for the first time. “Is that plaster peeling?” “If you had more money, would you paint it?”
Ziger, the 62-year-old, bespectacled co-founder of Ziger/Snead Architects, brushes the questions aside and explains that the $19 million preservation of the Parkway is complete. It’s not, he points out, your typical movie palace redo, returned to its original state of grandeur. Rather, the Parkway is seemingly suspended in a permanent state of deterioration.
Eight retro motels sure to inspire road-trip nostalgia
The StarLux, New Jersey: Less than two blocks from the beach and Wildwood Boardwalk, The StarLux has major wow factor. The 45-room property is a newer hotel with an intentional retro motel design (think lava lamps in the rooms, actual Airstream trailersand an outdoor kidney-shaped pool decorated with artificial palm trees). Freebies include beach chairs, boogie boards, bikesand a continental breakfast. The family who owns the hotel also owns nearby water and theme parks – StarLux guests get major discounts. Oyster.com
From USA Today: America’s love for automobiles paved the way for the iconic U.S. road trip. Motels, a name that blends the words “motor” and “hotel,” really took off in the ‘30s and ‘40s, when tourists needed a safe and inexpensive place to sleep while exploring the far reaches of the country. These properties provided some of the services associated with hotels, but decor, parking lots, and regional architectural flair differentiated them from their pricier hotel counterparts. However, after World War II and the construction of limited-access interstates, motels started to fall out of favor. And eventually, they were superseded by a new craze: uniform chain hotels. Today, some motels celebrate their vintage pasts and put on a new retro shine. With that in mind, take a look at our list of eight retro motels, from California to New Jersey, all worthy of a visit.
Michael touts economic benefits of Lincoln Highway Historic District
King Tower Cafe on Tama’s east side
From The Tama News-Herald and The Toledo Chronicle: Anne Michael backed by Colleen Davis, Tama residents and advocates for the Lincoln Highway Bridge restoration, the adjoining Lincoln Highway Bridge Park and the creation of a historic district on Tama’s east side laid more ground work with the Tama City Council Monday night.
Donations to complete efforts to have funding in place for restoration of the 103-year old bridge on 5th Street must be directed to the City of Tama, Michael told the council.
Michael told The News-Herald just short of $10,000 is needed to meet the estimated repair amount needed.
‘Neon detective’ documents signs
Cove Bowling’s sign in Great Barrington is one of the neon signs documented in Susan Bregman’s new book. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARCADIA PUBLISHING
From The Berkshire Eagle: A new book shines a light on the seductive history of New England signs — specifically a neon light.
Susan Bregman’s book, New England Neon, features signs from all over the region, including two from Great Barrington, the signs for Cove Bowling and Gorham & Norton Package Store.
Bregman, a Boston-based photographer, became fascinated by neon signs on a trip to Las Vegas, which coincided with a switch from black-and-white work to color. She visited the Neon Museum in its early days when it was more a ramshackle collection of old signs than an organized, successful presentation, and found herself revisiting the place a few more times. At the same time, she turned her attention to the neon signs in her own home.
Ruby’s Diner files for Chapter 11
The flagship Ruby’s Diner at Balboa Pier.
The Newport Beach, Calif.-based company, founded by Doug Cavanaugh in 1982, has entered into a financial agreement with Steven L. Craig, a developer of premium outlet malls in the U.S. and a Ruby’s Diner franchisee.
Craig is investing roughly $4 million to revitalize the brand during and after the bankruptcy. When the company emerges from bankruptcy in 120 to 180 days, he will have a 60 percent stake in the company.