Here stands the Northernaire Motel. It proudly serves the east-side community since 1955. Family road trips became popular. The highway system expanded across the country. More people could afford cars. Motels created unique experiences with location-based themes and modern architecture.
In many cases motels offered travelers first-time experiences. They might have watched color TV. They may have stepped on shag carpeting. Perhaps they dove into a pool with a carpeted deck. The Northernaire Motel, like many others, offered modern amenities. Guests enjoyed free high-speed wireless internet. Rooms included microwaves and fridges. Free cable TV was provided. King and queen rooms were available. Free parking and a 24-hour front desk added convenience.
Motels eventually spread from the countryside into cities. Minneapolis saw the Concord downtown. There was the Fair Oaks Motor Hotel. It was near the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The Gopher Campus Motel was near the University of Minnesota. The Leamington Motor Inn famously hosted the Beatles in 1965.
But the motel age didn’t last. Freeways and interstates changed traffic patterns. Motels found themselves off the beaten path. Mid-priced chain hotels became popular. These hotels offered predictable comfort to travelers. Movies like “Psycho” also contributed. The motel boom went bust.
Some motels survived. The Aqua City Motel and the Metro Inn Motel were among them. They were built on Highway 65. This road ran from Louisiana to Minnesota. They became a perfect stop for drivers heading to the North Woods.
In 1958, Interstate 35W rerouted traffic. The two motels ended up on a hidden stretch of Lyndale Avenue. They hung on, maintaining a slight monopoly. There were no other hotel accommodations nearby.
By the 90s, the clientele changed. Traveling construction workers and salespeople replaced families. These workers were in town for short stays. They were living on a tight budget. Owners of the struggling Metro Inn and Aqua City motels started accepting vouchers. These vouchers provided overnight stays for the homeless when shelters were full.
Neighbors and politicians grew uncomfortable. New regulations were put in place. Motel guests had to show identification. Owners had to keep lists of problem guests. The Mandan family, who had owned the motels for nearly two decades, were eventually forced to sell.
By 2002, crime increased. Complaints included robberies, drugs, and prostitution. The city considered buying the motels or rezoning the land. New owners added security measures. They hired a security company. They installed security cameras.
In 2015, city regulators added new conditions. The motels had to hire off-duty officers for security on weekend nights. The motels saw a final influx of cash in 2018. Minneapolis hosted the Super Bowl. Rooms were sold for high prices. Guests still reported problems.
In 2020, the city recommended not renewing the motels’ licenses. The owners decided to sell. The city of Minneapolis and Hennepin County bought both motels. They used money from the CARES Act. The rooms will be renovated. They will be used as single-room occupancy housing.
Since 1955, the Northernaire Motel has witnessed these changes. Today, the Northernaire Motel continues to offer a place to stay in Maplewood. It stands as a reminder of a bygone era.