Downtowner Motel
The Downtowner Motel was located at 400 So. 7th Street (a/k/a 625 4th Ave. So.) in Minneapolis.
When built in 1960, it had 64 rooms, according to the City’s permit card. The permit card also showed two stories when built, three stories when demolished, and the picture looks like four stories?
In 1963 this motel was owned by Marshall Sloane.
There were apparently several bars/clubs in the building.
EDDIE’S LOUNGE
Eddie’s Lounge featured local jazz musician Hank Hazlett and top name entertainers such as Dizzy Gillespie. In 1962 the LaBombas performed Caribbean and Latin music – “See and Learn the New Dance Craze Linbow and Basa-Nova!”
DAVY JONES’ LOCKER
Davy Jones’ Locker opened in July 1961 and featured a lingerie show which curiously no women went to. In 1962 acts included Junior Walters and Ike Cole, Nat King Cole’s brother. From Davy Jones’ Locker one could see into the pool, and in 1963 Sloan tried to hire girls to don bikinis and frolic for the businessmen; although the Trib reported that Minnesota girls proved too modest, a June 1963 ad did advertise “Exciting cocktail lounge famous for its underwater swimming shows.” One could ask for one’s favorite Pirate Girl for their Shipwreck Specials.
Jazz trios every night except Sunday; in July 1963 the management presented the Lee Evans Trio with Betty Nese, “a special treat as a way of thanking Minneapolitans for their patronage. The Trio has held leading engagements in New York and Las Vegas in addition to television appearances and three popular recordings.” In 1971 or so it was a jazz club with Kenny Horst and his combo as the house band.
Davy Jones’ Locker advertised heavily in the Minneapolis papers.
SULTAN’S HAREM CLUB
The Sultan’s Harem Club may have been a private club requiring an annual membership. In 1967 you could see belly dancers.
THE CAPTAIN’S GALLEY
The Captain’s Galley sounds like a restaurant. In 1967, and perhaps earlier, Terry and the Pirates provided music for a Go Go. (1965 was the big year for Go-Go)
Downtowner Motel, 1966. Photo Minnesota Historical Society
The 52 x 108 x 36′ building was demolished in December 1978.