OCEAN CITY, Md. - A longtime oceanfront hotel in Ocean City is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of an era for a property that has welcomed generations of visitors.
The Flagship Oceanfront Hotel announced it will shut down after decades in operation. In a statement via their Facebook page, the hotel thanked guests, staff and partners who helped make it a fixture along the resort town’s shoreline.
A longtime oceanfront hotel in Ocean City is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of an era for a property that has welcomed generations of visitors.
While a closing date was not immediately specified, ownership said the property will be redeveloped. Plans call for reimagining the space into a new project aimed at creating future opportunities for guests and the community.
Ocean City company Harrison Group Hotels & Restaurants manages the property. CoastTV reached out to the Harrison group Tuesday, and questions were deferred to the farewell post on the hotels Facebook.
Diane Heim says one of the staples of Ocean City will be missed.
"It's kind of sad," Heim tells CoastTV. "To see the old buildings, and the character of the buildings, be replaced by a very tall structure. That kind of takes away from the skyline."
Under that same post, the Flagship Oceanfront Hotel says the next property will remain under management from the Harrison Group Hotels & Restaurants.
Clifton Rogers, who works in Ocean City, says a new building will be a positive for the town.
"Nice new building on the beach front, you know, it's a win win for everyone," says Rogers. "To rip down a building, an old building, even though it's nostalgic, and really cool. But to put a new one up, it's just going to benefit the community as a whole."
The Town of Ocean City has already discussed plans for the future of the property. In a Planning and Zoning meeting from March 17, the town approved a preliminary site plan for the Spring Hill Suites hotels. The Harrison Group is now looking to complete their permitting process.
Charles Kauffman lives next door to the hotel and says the aging building has raised concerns in recent years.
“Over the years, it’s gotten...well, it’s old. And if you walk down the halls, the smell alone will tell you,” one resident said. “My biggest concern is when they do tear it down, the kitchens in there and stuff, have a lot of rats. So we’re going to have to deal with all of that, because when they tear that down, the rats have to go somewhere.”
In the meantime, the company encouraged visitors to continue staying at its other Ocean City properties.
The hotel has long been a recognizable part of the Ocean City skyline, drawing families year after year to its beachfront location. Its closure adds to ongoing changes along the resort’s oceanfront as older properties make way for new development.
