Postcard circa 1970s
 
Gainesville-I-75, Florida -- 7400 N W 8th Ave
 
Photograph courtesy of Phil Edwards
 
 
 
 
Brochure circa 1970s: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
 
 

Once I-75 was open through Gainesville it became necessary for the second area Motor Lodge and Restaurant complex to be built adjacent to the new limited access superhighway. Gainesville's I-75 location opened in 1966 with 63 rooms. On a prime wedge of ground with terrific highway visibility, it lasted almost thirty years. the Motor Lodge was eventually demolished, with big box retailers taking its former site.

All that remained was its recycled highway sign.
Photo courtesy of Phil Edwards
 
 
Postcard circa 1970s (detail)
 
 
 
 
 
Brochure circa 1970s: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
 
 
Shown here and above, the Restaurant had been remodeled by the late 1970s, and was decked out with HoJo's latest interior scheme.
 
 
 
 
Photograph courtesy of Bob Venditti
 
 
Photographs courtesy of Phil Edwards

HoJo-a-Taco
Hard to believe, but true -- the Howard Johnson's Restaurant survived to become a Taco Bell. Although the building is heavily disguised, a drive around its backside shows part of the original roof line that became hidden by Mansards.

Note the sign immediately in front of the taco bell is a recycled HoJo's sign.