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 then offered to pay $291,000 for the condemned parcel.

However DOT's survey was flawed and the widened roadway and exit actually condemned a few feet of the Motor Lodge's foundation! Upon discovery of the incorrect survey, the Lodge's franchisee took DOT to court and was awarded $2.3 million. Once the widened roadway came closer than 25 feet to the motel, its operation became out of compliance with zoning requirements which is why the jury award was so much higher than DOT's initial offer. The owner of the property, Ken Patel, commented that since 2002 road construction had created an untenable situation where the motel was only averageing about 35% occupancy and had become unsellable.

Above: Prior to a visit from what Bob Vindetti refers to as "the stucco maffia," Durham's guest buildings had remained true to form.

Below: Unsightly and unrecognizable save for a general shape and rectangular room indicator signs, Durham's guest buildings had lost their curb appeal.

After having lingered in an unprofitable state caused in part by highway work since 2002, the Motor Lodge finally succumbed. Prepped for demolition, its stuccofied guest buildings had been gutted by August 2010.

Above: Note that the Hampton Inn which was behind the HoJo's had been rebranded as a Comfort Inn

Above: Rubble of the Gate Lodge with its once gleaming Orange Roof tiles scattered about.

Below: Squared off but intact and in better days, Durham's A-frame Gate Lodge welcomed tired and weary travelers for nearly 44 years...