Construction started 1905 Opened 11 April 1908 Cost 1 million USD Demolished February 1996 | Country USA Closed 1991 Town or city Cape May Number of rooms 333 | |
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Former names Hotel Cape MayAdmiral Hotel Address 1401 Beach Avenue, Cape May, Cape May County, NJ Similar First Baptist Church of Manila, Harvey Cedars Bible Con, Life Bible‑Presbyterian Church, Congress Hall, Sunset Beach | ||
The Christian Admiral, formerly Admiral Hotel and Hotel Cape May, was a luxury hotel located in Cape May, New Jersey. Demolished in 1996, it was once the world's largest hotel, known for its majestic architecture and association with Carl McIntire's Christian movement.
History
The Christian Admiral Hotel, originally known as the Hotel Cape May, was erected in the Beaux-Art style between 1905 and 1908. When opened on April 11, 1908 it was the world's largest hotel with 333 guest rooms. Completed behind schedule and over budget, Hotel Cape May was part of a development project intended bring wealthy visitors to the town and rival East Coast resorts like Newport. During its existence it would undergo five bankruptcies and ownership changes.
In 1962 the hotel was acquired by the Christian Beacon Press, headed by the Rev. Dr. Carl McIntire, for use as a bible study and conference center. The conference facilities were expanded and substantial sums of money were spent to bring the hotel into compliance with building codes. Carl McIntire said preserving old buildings is American.
In 1991, it was closed by Cape May City Officials. In 1996, the hotel was demolished for a single-family housing development. Its demolition put into question Cape May's National Historic Landmark status.
