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.
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.
I like the looks of the new Hotel, but I miss the old Inn with its 1950, "brick ranch" style. Though according to people I know who stayed there, it was well past its prime. The problem with the new one (besides serving too-spiced food) are their rates. You'd think they were in downtown Chicago, or something!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the new place, but I ate at the old Inn several times and enjoyed the experience. It had a cozy dining room with a nice view. The photo of the new hotel makes it look a little overbearing for its site (but I did note that Dan likes it!).
ReplyDeleteHi Buster! I ate at the old Inn once or twice too and enjoyed it . And like Don, I liked the look of the old hotel (looked like an old Travelodge). But I could see that they needed something better there. The new building doesn't quite fit in with the campus, and it is pretty huge, but since it's isolated on its own corner (and next to a modern looking hall) it doesn't bother me too much. It's sort of Mid Century Modern, which I like. But I really like the different lighting schemes of the large space upstairs, it's kind of fun to look at when I'm stopped at the light there on the way to work. And as for the high hotel rates, they must be thinking that if you can afford to send your kid to Oberlin, then you should be able to handle the cost of accommodations at the hotel when you come to visit.
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