A Chicago Question: Motels
Why are there so many classic 50s-style motels on Lincoln Ave. between Foster and Peterson? The little lettered things below represent motels. For reference, we’re talking about approximately a square mile area:
An explanation that has occurred to me is that Lincoln is US-41 for that stretch, but other portions of US-41 I am familiar with — Foster Ave. between Lincoln and Lake Shore Dr., Lake Shore itself, the weird pseudo-expressway part of US-41 where it branches off from I-94 between Chicago and Milwaukee — do not seem to have any motels at all, as far as I can tell.
(Note: I could follow US-41’s meanderings south of Lake Shore into Hammond, Indiana, and beyond, but the last time I was in Hammond — funny story! — I was in a car accident that resulted in me being subject to a lawsuit that still apparently hasn’t been resolved two years later. In fact, I was in Hammond specifically because US-41 runs through it and I thought that I would get some proverbially cheap Indiana gas on a marked route that would eventually become Lake Shore Drive. When the cop got to the accident scene, his first words were literally, “What are you doing here?!”)
Anyway, if anyone can provide some insight into this question, I would appreciate it. Another question: how do they stay in business? None of them seems to be closed. Were there previously even more motels, of which we are now seeing only the very best?
4 Comments
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I don’t know about these motels, but often people live there, these days. They are for people who can’t get a lease or who are more transient.
Comment by Heather | October 30, 2008
Not sure there reason for being built there. Rumor has it that they can be rented by the hour these days. I think that’s how they stay in business. But, it could be just an urban myth.
Comment by Rob B | October 30, 2008
that stretch of 41 was the only “highway” into the city in the mid-century and many families would spend their vacation at these hotels with quick access to the city. Check out City of Destiny blog…a friend who documents the city, I’m sure there is information there. Also, there was a story recently on chicagoist about these. I expect they stay open for hookers and drug deals these days. I always recommend out of town guests to stay at The Patio, my favorite. The sign is fantastic…also the Stars near devon.
Comment by phil | October 31, 2008
Sort of reminds me of a certain stretch of East Main St in Columbus, OH. Not sure how many there are though.
Comment by tim | November 4, 2008