Formal Opening of Oberlin Inn – August 1955

Seventy years ago this month the new Oberlin Inn (shown above) held its formal opening. Below you see the coverage of the story by the Lorain Journal on August 1, 1955.

According to the article, the new Oberlin Inn replaced an older version built in 1867.

(In 2016, I did a three-part series on the demolition of the Oberlin Inn that was 'new' in 1955.) 

It's interesting just how much real estate the 1955 Oberlin Inn took up on that corner, for what was basically just a motel and parking lot.

Of course, The Hotel at Oberlin (which replaced the 1955 Oberlin Inn) is just one component of the Peter B. Lewis Gateway Center on that corner. It also comprises the 1833 Restaurant, StudiOC, Oberlin College Admissions and The Birebaum.

Just for fun, here's a "Then & Now" of the two hotels that sat on that corner of Route 58 and E. College Street.

While I hate to see old buildings (such as motels) torn down, I really like The Hotel at Oberlin. I pass it twice a day on the way to work, and I enjoy the creative lighting in play in the upper level, which changes color and mood from time to time, and is a warm and welcoming sight during my drive in.