Eau Claire

Postcard circa 1970s

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

-- 809 W Clairmont Ave

A classic Motor Lodge and Restaurant complex, Eau Claire opened in 1967. Largely unaltered, the Motor Lodge remained a Howard Johnson's until 1993.

Its signature A-frame Gate Lodge was unfortunately hideously boxed-in and the property was converted into a Quality Inn. In fact it surely must be the worst Gate Lodge conversion yet documented--an abomination of architecture!

Photographs May 2005: Courtesy of Phil Edwards

Postcard circa 1960s

Photographs May 2005: Courtesy of Phil Edwards

Above: While the Motor Lodge suffered from its botched makeover, at least Phil Edwards discovered that the guest buildings retained sliders, patios/ balconies, and remarkably the original railings.