Photographs June, 2001: Courtesy of Bob Venditti
 
 
Durham, North Carolina -- 1800 Hillandale Rd
 
 
 
 
 
 

Opened in 1966, Bob Venditti reported that the Lodge was making a good effort when he visited in 2001.

However by 2003 it had been visited by "the Stucco Mafia," and Venditti tersely observed that it was "yet another overdone, totally unnecessary makeover."
 
 
Photographs July, 2003: Courtesy of Bob Venditti
 

Since the complex was built immediately adjacent to and along I-85 and Hillandale Road, it put the property at risk when highway expansion was proposed. During the course of planning changes to the roads, the North Carolina DOT condemned the HoJo's property to within 5 feet of the Gate Lodge and swimming pool, and offered to pay $291,000 for the condemned parcel.

However DOT's survey actually condemned a few feet of the Motor Lodge's foundation! The Lodge's franchisee took DOT to court and was awarded $2.3 million. Unfortunately the highway widening project will at the least mean the demolition of the Gate Lodge.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Bob wrote, "No 28 Flavors here, or anything else for that matter."

The Restaurant had been situated at the site so that it had extremely high visibility from I-85--it has been demolished.