The Van Cortlandt Motel opened circa 1958 at 6393 Broadway, on the corner of West 256th Street in the North Riverdale section of The Bronx. In its waning years, it became a hot sheet motel, and finally a shelter for homeless families and migrants.The motel is now closed and be torn down to make way for a new primary school. The NYC School Construction Authority purchased the property for $9.2 million. The new school is slated to open by Fall of 2028. This series will document the final months of this neighborhood establishment.

From July 2024 to January 2025, I was always delighted to see the colorful glow of light piercing through the darkness. It was my beacon and mile marker after exiting the Henry Hudson Parkway every night. She was welcoming me back home to the neighborhood.

Kudos to whoever keeps the lights festive here at the motel. Even the graffiti on the plywood couldn’t dampen my spirits!

I’m delighted, yet curious as to why a property that’s slated for demolition is still bathed in glorious, vibrant color. This beautiful purple hue is my favorite to date. I captured this image on a rainy night through my car’s windshield.

It saddens me to know that after operating for 67 years in North Riverdale, her colorful lights will never illuminate Broadway again. I felt a genuine sense of loss when I passed by her this evening. Being totally cloaked in darkness, it felt as if she was finally taken off of life support. Photo taken March 2025.