By Steffen Klenk
The lecture room of the Ocean City Free Public Library was filled to capacity this past Thursday evening for a presentation on the history of the Flanders Hotel, hosted by the Ocean City Historical Museum.
Attendees learned almost everything there is to know about the century-old landmark, from its pools to the catacombs, as told by Director of Hotel Operations Pete Voudouris and his wife, Arlene.
The audience enjoyed hearing the stories of its past guests, from actress/princess Grace Kelly to Al Capp, creator of the Li’l Abner comic strip, actor Kevin Bacon and former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.
The story of the Flanders began in the winter of 1922, when the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce lobbied the city and other groups for support to build a hotel to significantly develop the city’s tourism potential. They explained how the completion of the Delaware River Bridge (known today as the Ben Franklin Bridge) in Philadelphia would bring more visitors to the Jersey Shore, along with the need for newer accommodations to compete with neighboring shore towns.
The chamber appointed a committee which became the Ocean Front Hotel Corporation (OFHC), a group made up of prominent businessmen and citizens, to investigate feasibility of such a project. The organization chose to name the hotel “the Flanders” in honor of the fallen Allied troops that fought during the Battle of Flanders in Belgium during World War I.
Construction began in 1923, led by local architect Vivian B. Smith, who also designed City Hall, the Music Pier, and the former Ocean City High School building. Built with tile roofing, concrete and steel girders, it was billed as “fireproof,” a standard which would later prove to be essential to its survival.
The hotel officially opened on July 23, 1923, ushering in a new era in Ocean City history as “The Jewel of the Southern Jersey Shore.” It’s considered so historically and architecturally significant, that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
Over its century-long history, the Flanders has seen its fair share of difficulties. The devastating Ocean City Boardwalk fire in 1927 left the iconic building unscathed, but destroyed 500 guest rooms in town, resulting in the need for newer, modern, hotels and leading to competition as properties were added and rebuilt.
In 1929, owner J. Howard Slocum opened an Olympic-sized pool, along with three salt water pools, in the space created when the Boardwalk was rebuilt farther from the hotel than the original.
While the hotel survived the Great Depression, the year 1991 turned out to be the Flanders’ worst financial year in history. Three years later, the site went up for sale at a price of $13 million. With no immediate buyers, the hotel was forced to close in May 1995.
In January 1996, James Dwyer purchased the Flanders Hotel and renovated the building’s 232 rooms into nearly 100 condominiums. After several personal financial setbacks and bankruptcy, Dwyer was removed from hotel operations. In December 2005, a new board of trustees was established, led by Pete Voudouris. He and his wife, Arlene, soon discovered that there were many challenges. “This place was a mess,” Pete Voudouris said.
Initially, various banks took control of many aspects of hotel operations, including the front desk, boilers, elevators, and pool. After being elected board president, Voudouris was able to secure a $2 million construction loan from Sun National Bank, which was followed by much-needed renovations to the pool deck and exterior. “It was a challenge, but we just kept working at it,” he said.
During the lecture, Arlene Voudouris said they have always loved Ocean City and were set on a path to ensure that the property was going to survive. “This was God’s plan. We were determined to save this building and I really don’t know why,” she said.
While overcoming many challenges, the Flanders Hotel remains one of Ocean City’s greatest gems. For visitors, the condo hotel offers some of the most luxurious accommodations available on the island, including an outdoor pool and fitness center.
Visitors can enjoy a plethora of special events including monthly high teas, great food at Emily’s Ocean Room, and world-class dining at their Supper Club. Their one-of-a-kind ballroom is the perfect setup for any wedding celebration, with banquets and meetings held regularly.
The Shoppes at the Flanders is one of the most unique shopping experiences on the island, with gifts, artisan jewelry and accessories. Relax at their salon and day spa, or visit their attached coffee shop for that perfect java fix or midday snack.
This year, the Flanders Hotel is celebrating its centennial. The public will be invited to a once-in-a-lifetime Celebration Gala Saturday, Nov. 18. This elegant evening will feature antique cars dating back to the 1920s, historic artifacts and planned performances by local musical groups. Further information and details will be announced soon.
Hosted by the Ocean City Historical Museum, the lecture was part of an ongoing weekly Summer Lecture Series. Over the coming weeks, attendees can learn about the stunning legacy of Grace Kelly as told by Al Crescenzo, the Evolution of the Surf Board, The Great Submarine Contest of 1893, and Shark Attacks from author Mike Capuzzo.
Lectures are held at Ocean City Library on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and admission is free. Learn more by visiting www.ocnjmuseum.com.
