>
 
Photograph May 2, 2004
 
Memphis-Downtown -- 1318 Lamar Ave
AKA Mid-Town
 
At the top of its game, the Howard Johnson Company counted the Memphis-Downtown complex among its most modern locations when it opened in 1967. Its site had previously been occupied by a monumental stone mansion owned by local wholesale grocery magnate John T. Fargason. The Fargasons lived in the stately home for about thirty years before it was sold and sold again. Ending up as a fraternity house, the circa 1905 mansion deteriorated beyond repair and was demolished in 1960.
 
 
 
 
Photograph 2002: Courtesy of Phil Edwards
 
 
 
 
Photographs May 2, 2004
 
 
 
The high-rise 145 guest room Motor Lodge featured an in-the -building lobby and a distinctive drive under canopy A-frame Gate Lodge.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The complex was a HoJo's only until about 1974, and then was converted into the Coach and Four Restaurant and Motor Lodge. By the late 1970s the facility was owned and managed by Ed 'Sonny' Bauman. Amazingly even though it received a modest exterior makeover that covered the original off-blue vertical siding, rooms in the former Motor Lodge apparently retained fixtures and features that had been incorporated into the building back in 1967.

Note the "zoom" shots above and below that show a Continuous Counter, Pamper Panel, padded headboard unit, and Drop.
 
 
 
 
>