Nestled just outside St. Louis in Marlborough, Missouri, stood the Coral Court Motel, a once-iconic landmark on Route 66. Famed for its distinctive Art Deco and Streamlined Modern architectural styles, this motor lodge captivated travelers from its opening in 1942 until its controversial demolition in 1995. More than just a stop for weary travelers, the Coral Court harbored a fascinating, often illicit, history that earned it the infamous moniker: the ‘no-tell motel’.
The Vision of John Carr: From Ex-Con to Motel Mogul
The story of the Coral Court begins with John Carr, an ex-convict with a past rumored to include mob connections and prostitution charges. In 1940, Carr acquired eight acres along Watson Road, a prime location on Route 66. His vision was clear: to create an incomparable motor lodge, designed by architect Adolph Struebig, that would operate as a cash-based business, conveniently situated just outside St. Louis city limits.
Opening in 1942 amidst World War II mobilization, the Coral Court was a triumph of design. Its exterior boasted striking curved walls, decorative glass blocks, and distinctive honey-colored ceramic tiles. Crucially, each of its initial ten two-unit buildings featured two rooms and a private garage. This unique amenity allowed guests unparalleled privacy, a feature that would soon define its darker reputation.
A Haven of Secrecy and Scandal
The Coral Court quickly became a success, known for its impeccable grounds and service. However, it also developed a whispered notoriety as a place where guests could stay without questions asked. Rumors of illegal gambling and call-girl activities permeated its elegant facade. It was later revealed that John Carr even constructed an underground room with an escape tunnel and actively bribed the Marlborough police department to maintain his secrets.
The Bobby Greenlease Kidnapping Connection
The motel’s infamous reputation reached its peak with its unexpected connection to one of America’s most chilling crimes: the 1953 Bobby Greenlease kidnapping. Carl Austin Hall, one of the perpetrators responsible for the abduction and murder of the wealthy Kansas City heir, briefly checked into the Coral Court while on the run. This incident solidified the motel’s status as a ‘no-tell’ haven, making it a popular, albeit discreet, destination for illicit affairs and those seeking anonymity. Hall and his accomplice, Bonnie Heady, were swiftly brought to justice and executed, but the motel’s dark connection lingered.
Decline, Demolition, and Enduring Legacy
The prosperity of the Coral Court, much like many businesses along the iconic highway, began to wane after 1972 when Interstate 44 bypassed Route 66 in Missouri. The decline in traffic forced Carr to increasingly rely on his “no-tell” clientele, even offering rooms by the hour, further cementing its scandalous image.
Following John Carr’s death in 1984, the motel faced a rapid decline under new ownership. Despite efforts by the Coral Court Preservation Society to list the property on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, the lack of maintenance and high renovation costs ultimately sealed its fate. The beloved, yet controversial, landmark was demolished in June 1995 to make way for a housing development.
Conclusion
While the original Coral Court Motel may be gone, its legacy endures. Before its complete demolition, dedicated volunteers painstakingly salvaged and rebuilt a complete unit, which now stands proudly at the Missouri Museum of Transportation in St. Louis. This exhibit, complete with a 1941 Cadillac in its private garage, serves as a poignant reminder of an era when Route 66 was the lifeline of America, and the Coral Court stood as a symbol of both architectural innovation and the hidden undercurrents of American society. It remains a testament to a complex past, where glamour, privacy, and crime intertwined along the Mother Road.
