Skylark Motel

The Skylark Motel is a two story, U-shaped Motel originally built in the mid-1950’s.  As with many other Motels on the island, “Resort” is included in its title, though thankfully the word Motel has been proudly retained as well.  Unlike many Motels originally built as two floors, it has remained so, instead of adding a third floor sometime after.  Without acquiring more property, it will likely stay that way in the future, to continue to provide sufficient parking for its guests.  The Skylark survived a December 2008 fire that was fairly serious and had some concerned about its future. It reopened late in the 2009 season, with the damaged areas rebuilt in between.  Further renovations may have taken place, whether during the rebuild or after the season finished, as the Skylark’s site boasts “Newly Renovated Rooms!”.  I believe the owners of the Brittany Motel, also located in Wildwood proper, own the Skylark.

The Skylark is located between Spicer & Spencer Avenues, along the East side of Atlantic Ave.  It has approximately 35 units spread fairly evenly across both floors.  A lobby/office is located at the Southern end of the Motel, with a sundeck above it.  The pool area borders this, which includes a few tables and chairs, and some Wildwood Palms.  Colors are almost equal parts warm purple, pink and white, which work well together here.   The vintage railings were a recent loss since the fire, but the current, less ornate replacements look good.  The change in railings also allowed the pool area fencing to match.  These previously didn't match, likely due to the pool not being an original feature of the Motel.  An arrow shaped, double-sided roadside sign is located about halfway down the length of the property, and points to the Motel.  It has Skylark Motel and (No) Vacancy in reddish neon, small clear incandescent bulbs which fire in motion, matching colors, and a painting of a Lark.  To my eye, it’s one of the more distinctive signs on the island and is a classic, like the Motel it’s part of.

To see past discussion on the Skylark, and if you wish to contribute further to it, please visit the thread linked below from the Doo Wop Preservation League's Message Board.:


http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1266791736