Postcard circa 1961
 
Chester, Virginia -- I-95 @ SR 10
 

An early standardized ultra-modern complex, and among the first to feature an A-frame Gate Lodge, Chester opened in 1959. The sprawling park-like five acre site offered guests the choice of 95 rooms in its five one and two story guest buildings. The Motor Lodge and Restaurant complex was built along what was once a toll highway called the Richmond-Pertersburg Turnpike. The 34.7 mile long ultra-modern limited access highway was constructed without federal funding and was officially finished on July 1, 1958. It became an original stretch of I-95 through Virginia not long after it had opened.
 
 
 
Postcard circa 1963
 

Postcard Caption: On the outskirts of historic Richmond, luxurious comfort and convenience is yours in ultra-modern carpeted, air-conditioned rooms, spacious baths, showers, TV, 24 hour telephone service, restaurant and swimming pool -- all at moderate rates.

For reservations call SHadyside 8-2237 or Teletype CHES VA 595.
 
 
 
Photographs courtesy of Phil Edwards
 

Lasting until about 1984 as a Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge, the property became known as the Chester Inn during 1985, and featured 28 efficiencies among its guest rooms. Meanwhile, the Restaurant lingered on as a HoJo's until at least 1986. By the late 1990s the site had been totally redeveloped into a Denny's, Cracker Barrel, and Fairfield Inn. The street sign advertising the three newer businesses was part of one of the later HoJo's signs, but the shape of the replaced upper portion suggested that the Motor Lodge may have been a Red Carpet Inn at one time.

Above and Below: Denny's came to occupy what appeared to be the exact spot of the Howard Johnson's Restaurant, and it is possible that some portion of the original Nims-type building is hidden behind the diner-esque facade.
 
 
 
richmond
 
 

Richmond-Mid Town, Virginia -- 3207 North Blvd
 
This location was a Howard Johnson's from 1974 until about 1992. An "upscale" 186 room four-story property, the complex featured a restaurant called the Rib Room in addition to its traditional Howard Johnson's coffee shop. Apparently there was never an Orange Roofed Mansard, but since no vintage views have become available its original facade is not known. During the early 1990s the Motor Lodge was converted into a Holiday Inn.