| Star Lite Motel | |
| Former Names: | Charley's Motel |
| Alternate Names: | Starlite Motel |
| Building Type: | Motel |
| Owner: | William Donovan |
| Address: | 900 Center Ave E |
| Location Town: | Dilworth, Minnesota |
| Location Country: | United States |
| Inauguration Date: | 1977 (as Star Lite Motel)[1] |
| Floor Count: | 1 |
The Star Lite Motel is a historic motel in Dilworth, Minnesota. It is one of the oldest buildings in Dilworth, and the oldest motel in Clay County. Earlier it was known as Charley's Motel. A previous owner created the neon sign that is regarded as the motel's most noteworthy feature.[2] [3]
The motel is blue, L-shaped, and in a specific 1950s motel architecture style, with a red neon sign on the end of the building by the road. The sign's architectural style was recognized as historic by numerous 1950s motel historians and passersby.[4] [5] The motel is a single-story edifice surrounded by a large parking lot and empty fields.
Vivian Tang bought the Star Lite (formerly Charley's Motel) building in 1959 and operated it until the current owner, William Donovan, bought it.[6]
The motel was built in 1960. The motel was permanently closed in 2021. William and Rozeana were retired and moved to Moorhead. A large section of the motel has since been razed although the neon sign and a few rooms nearest to the office were kept.