REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - We've all seen the postcards and pictures taken in front of the Dolle's sign that used to hang above the building on One Rehoboth Avenue. A developer is looking to build a multi-use development in that location, keeping the retail spaces below on the boardwalk level the same, and building a hotel above. The Rehoboth Beach Planning Commission, held a preliminary site plan for the proposal on Friday, Jan. 12, but the commission came to the conclusion to come back reviewing the site plan in February.
Since that specific corner is a classic Rehoboth Beach spot, locals have strong feelings about the future of the spot.
Cindy Wooleyhan's family had a tradition of coming to Rehoboth Beach every summer when she was growing up. Now a homeowner in the city, Wooleyhan told CoastTV she has a lot of great memories at that spot, and at first she was against the hotel, but her mind was changed.
"A friend and I were actually talking about it yesterday and he reminded me that in the late 1800s there were hotels in these locations, so now I've changed my mind, and I'm thinking restore it to how it originally was, that would be great," explained Wooleyhan.
Other people have different feelings about updating the spot, since it is so iconic.
Lisa Stasio does not like seeing the spot change as much as it has, and she said seeing the Dolle's sign come down was incredibly sad.
"I want it to stay as is, and I really miss it being Dolley's, so we should try to keep it old school," said Stasio.
Whether people are for or against the potential hotel, most can agree they hope whatever becomes of the spot contributes to the classic charm of the nation's summer capital.