Dunn was the epitome of roadside hospitality perfection! Built in Howard Johnson's early standardized format, the all ground level Motor Lodge proved popular with travelers. In fact during its first few years the property reported a greater than 70% occupancy rate. All of the sustained business resulted in a freestanding 24 room two-story addition during the late 1960s which was constructed in HoJo's fully realized standardized style.

Since the Motor Lodge's license agreement as a Howard Johnson was terminated in April of 1989, its Gate Lodge and guest buildings remained remarkably intact--the property was spared stuccoization and other desecration. By the middle 2000s it had become the last most complete example of its type. Retaining its original integrity, the site attracted the attention of architectural resource expert Penne Sandbeck who prepared a succinctly written recommendation for Dunn's inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.