Lobby card ca. 1980: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
 
 
 
 Santa Clara, California
 -- 5405 Stevens Creek Blvd @ I-280 
 

Built with standardized Howard Johnson's amenities, the Santa Clara complex's exterior design was a twist of HJ modern and California mission style. The facility opened in early 1970 making it among the earlier locations to offer larger public areas fronted with an Orange Roofed mansard. Although converted into a Wellesley during the 1990s, the Motor Lodge largely maintained its original integrity until its closure in 2007.

FYI -- Wellesley had once been in the stable of Howard Johnson's brands as it had been acquired by HoJo's owner, Prime Motor Inns, during 1988. Prime had elaborate plans for Wellesley that included rapid expansion and all new construction--featuring suites, and large two-story lobbies highlighted by broad expanses of windows. Note that the brand has been phased out and folded into LaQuinta.

Above: Note that the property's "rounded-edge" post 1985 signs were recycled with faces advertising it as a Wellesley Inn.
 
 
Photos April 2005: Courtesy of Phil Edwards
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visited by Connor Hochleutner during December of 2007, he reported that while the converted to IHOP Restaurant still operated, the former Motor Lodge was closed and cordoned off.
 
 
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