Oxnard, CA - The Wagon Wheel motel and restaurant complex is a familiar sight as you pass Oxnard traveling along the 101 Freeway. The Wagon Wheel Junction complex was built in 1947 by developer Bud Smith. The location was home to a motel, restaurant and office and was a very popular stop for roadside travelers through the early 1980s. Other businesses at Wagon Wheel Junction included the Roller Garden skating rink, the steakhouse, the El Ranchita Mexican Restaurant, Trade Winds Restaurant, and a shopping center. The bowling alley sign called the Wagon Wheel Bowl lasted a little longer through 2015 but was demolished in 2016 as well. The bowling alley sign is supposedly in storage.
Wagon Wheel Motel (Closed)
Oxnard, CA Photos courtesy Schafphoto
A driver urging his horses along was quite an introduction to Wagon Wheel Junction in Oxnard. The neon coach-and-horses sign gave travelers on Highway 101 something to remember, even if they kept driving. For those who pulled in, the motel and restaurant offered a little Western scenery without requiring a horse of their own.
According to the VC Star, the iconic sign was first sitting on top of the Tom Tom Club on Oxnard Boulevard. Bud Smith purchased and moved the sign to the Wagon Wheel in the mid-1950s.
Wagon Wheel Motel and Restaurant
Oxnard, CA Photo courtesy Schafphoto
Developed in 1947 by Martin V. “Bud” Smith, the complex turned a former hog farm into a roadside destination. Smith brought in surplus Navy Seabee barracks from nearby Port Hueneme and arranged them around a motel court. Turquoise siding, decorative wagon wheels, and rustic furnishings helped give the buildings their ranch character. Apparently military accommodations could enjoy a second career welcoming vacationers.
Wagon Wheel Motel
Oxnard, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Smith’s publicity was nearly as memorable as the architecture. One account describes him releasing 200 chickens into downtown Oxnard, each wearing a leg band announcing its escape from the Wagon Wheel and promoting the restaurant’s chicken dinners. Quite a way to spread the word. Most advertisements don’t need to be rounded up afterward.
A lit up marquee
Oxnard, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The junction grew into more than a place to eat and sleep. Roller Gardens, a shopping center, the steakhouse, El Ranchito, and the tiki-themed Trade Winds gave locals and travelers several reasons to stop. Wagon Wheel Bowl joined the collection in 1953, with a building designed by Arthur Froehlich. A family could spend quite a while here before remembering that the original plan involved getting back on the highway.
Unfortunately, the Wagon Wheel Motel is threatened with demolition after this historic property closed is doors on December 10, 2006 and the last tenant left the premises.
Wagon Wheel fenced off
Oxnard, CA Photo courtesy Schafphoto
That familiar coach-and-horses sign had already enjoyed another roadside life. Its panels came from Oxnard’s Tom-Tom Club before finding their way to the junction. The complex also once had a large animated sign shaped like an actual wagon wheel, which disappeared around 1980. Clearly, a simple rectangular motel announcement wasn’t going to satisfy this place.
Wagon Wheel Motel (Closed)
Oxnard, CA Photos courtesy Schafphoto
Unfortunately, the long run ended in stages. The restaurant closed in 2005, followed by the motel in 2006. Preservationists fought to retain part of the property, but demolition proceeded in 2011 after a court ruling allowed the redevelopment to move forward. The bowling alley held on until 2015 before being demolished in 2016.
An unverified tale describes bowling balls rolling and pins crashing on Lane 32 after the darkened center had shut down for the night. The story’s origins remain unclear, so consider this one a little roadside lore rather than established history. True story? Perhaps somebody still wanted to finish the last frame.
Wagon Wheel Motel interior
Oxnard, CA Photo courtesy Schafphoto
Fortunately, some pieces escaped the bulldozer. In 2023, a saved coach-and-horses panel returned above the brewery entrance in the new development. Former bowling lanes also became communal tables inside. The pins are gone, but dinner can still land on the lanes.
UPDATE: You have the restaurant listed as still being opened, but I am sad to report that the restaurant and motel both closed this past Sunday (12/10/06), and have a date with the wrecking ball. Many thanks to Jeff Babb for update. 12-06
The motel and restaurant complex was eventually razed over and demolished in 2011. No more exiting off on Oxnard Boulevard and seeing the familiar neon sign. Another landmark was lost to be just a memory.
Wagon Wheel Motel building
Oxnard, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
UPDATE: According to the December 21, 2006 issue of the Ventura County Reporter, the Oxnard Village Investments LLC has purchased the Wagon Wheel parcel of land with proposed plans to develop 1,500 residential units and a commercial complex. Possible milestones coming up soon include a draft environmental impact report in February or March of 2007 with demolition starting up in September 2007. 01-07
UPDATE: The days are numbered for the Wagon Wheel complex in Oxnard, CA. An appeal by the local Buenaventura Conservancy requesting that the Wagon Wheel be spared from a proposal to construct 1,500 homes and commercial space was rejected by a city officials in a 4-1 vote. 11-08
A lit up marquee
Oxnard, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
UPDATE: According to the Ventura County Reporter article, the Oxnard Village environmental impact report has now been approved, which includes media related ways of remembering the Wagon Wheel to be installed at the site. Thoughts include a oral history display as well as TV specials showcasing the late owner Martin "Bud" Smith's and the Wagon Wheel's legacy in Oxnard. 11-08
UPDATE: The Wagon Wheel area located in Oxnard, CA was approved by the Oxnard City Council in late January 2009 for redevelopment adding almost 2,000 homes. Demolition of the old roadside structures at the site, including the historic Wagon Wheel Motel will begin in the next three to six months according to sources. See the Ventura County Stararticle for more information. 02-09
Close up of sign
Oxnard, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
UPDATE: Despite the efforts of the San Buenaventura Conservancy, a Ventura County Superior Court judge ruled against the bid to stop demolition of the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and Motel. More information can be found in this Ventura County Star article. 10-09
UPDATE: The motel, restaurant, and bowling center are gone, and housing and commercial development occupy the former junction. A restored coach-and-horses sign survives at the brewery site; the upper motel lettering is held at Valley Relics Museum. The Wagon Wheel Bowl sign is reportedly in storage, although its present condition remains uncertain. 10-26
A lit up marquee
Wagon Wheel Motel building
A lit up marquee
Close up of sign
