JaxPsychoGeo Decline and Closureįrom the 1970s to the late-2010s, the property would change hands multiple times. The Wonderfall at the Thunderbird Motor Hotel from The Florida Times-Union, August 16, 1969, courtesy Special Collections, Jacksonville Public Libraries. Tim Gilmore describes it as “ a flying saucer ascending from tractor beams.” Jackson of Jacksonville’s KBJ Architects called it “ a circular lounge with seated areas arranged around a circular bar.” Halos of beaded strings descended from three circles in a domed ceiling into a larger circle ringed with gin and bourbon and scotch. Location is close to everything and offers the ultimate in service.” The hotel featured conference space, two swimming pools along with poolside Tiki bars, the Zodiac Room, the Kettle Pub, and the King’s Inn Lounge.Īccording to author Tim Gilmore, the Thunderbird also featured an 80-seat cocktail lounge centered on a bar called “The Wonderfall.” Architect William K. The back of a postcard for the Thunderbird from the early-1970s reads, “ 300 Luxurious rooms, Gourmet Dining Room, 2 Lounges with Live Entertainment, Complete Convention Facilities, Only minutes from Downtown and the Gator Bowl. It wasn’t until 1969 when a major renovation of property transformed the Thunderbird into an extravagant Polynesian and American Indian-themed hotel that became host to countless stars such as The Rolling Stones, Fats Domino, Ann Sothern, and the Sammy Spear Orchestra of The Jackie Gleason Show. The Thunderbird Motor Hotel opened in 1959 in Arlington, once a growing residential and commercial suburb for the downtown business executives of Jacksonville.
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