Built at exit 135 of the Garden State Parkway, the Clark complex opened in about 1960. Initially the Motor Lodge featured exterior entry only guest rooms in a classic configuration offering some 80 units. Later, probably in the late 1960s or early 1970s, a more modern guest wing with a central corridor as well as meeting facilities were added to the sprawling property. Likely in the late 1970s a new mansard style office replaced the classic A-frame Gate Lodge. The Motor Lodge lasted to about 1995 and briefly operated as the Clarktowne Inn before being demolished to make was for a Shop Rite supermarket and strip center.