Hagerstown, MD
 -- 107 Underpass Way (1718 Underpass Way)
 

Opened on May 20, 1985 during the Howard Johnson Company's last year of existence, Hagerstown was new construction but non-standard. The 170 guest room Lodge was developed and owned by Falling Spring Corporation of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Among its guest rooms, the site offered 12 suites and its 6th floor was reserved as an executive section. Contemporary, each of the corridors were designed with a "rich art deco style." Moreover, the Lodge's lobby was said to "blend muted burgundy and mauve colors throughout" and was highlighted by a polished brass front desk.

Right: Striking image of a workman erecting sign in Hagerstown, Md.

Below: New Lodge in Hagerstown, Md., first to display new corporate logo on sign.

Howard Johnson Landmark: August 1985 p.3
 
 
 

Among its amenities the facility featured a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, and a banquet room. The site was designed by architect Kurt Cushwald of Design Build and built by Waynesboro Contractors.

Even as it boasted its many features, the site did not ever offer a Howard Johnson Restaurant. Rather its original eatery was the Sir Walter Raleigh which was described as upscale with a full menu offering steaks, seafood, and other American specialties. Later, the Sir Walter Raleigh was converted into the Fireside Restaurant and Lounge which it remained into the late 2000s.

 
Brochure ca. 1980s: Dan Donahue
 
 
 
 
Postcard ca. 1990s: Kummerlowe Archive
 
 
Photos May 2008: Joe Gaskill
(& Ryan Branham)

A milestone of sorts in the scheme of HoJo's history, on May 24, 1985 Hagerstown's signage became the first installation of Howard Johnson's new corporate logo which had been unveiled in February of the same year. Described as "symbolic of change," and an "exciting look of the future," the design was the result of six months of development by Landor Associates. After having created 75 new logos, Landor submitted 10 for review by the Company. In the end, the apostrophe 's' was dropped as well as the familiar "Howard Johnson's" art-deco font which had been designed in the 1930s by John E. Alcott. The result was a less pleasing logo, but nonetheless retained an Orange Roof which had been extended to underline "Howard Johnson." A Company spokesman called the extension, "the quality line."

1985-opened as Howard Johnson Lodge

1987-became Howard Johnson Hotel

1989-called Howard Johnson Plaza-Hotel

 1999-relinquished Howard Johnson brand

2000-Plaza Hotel
 
 
 
 
 
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