Chevron and City of Santa Paula Complete Donation of Historic Union Oil Company of California Headquarters and $2 Million Grant
January 10 2024 - 10:00AM
Business Wire
Chevron, through its affiliate Union Oil Company of California,
has transferred ownership and control of the former headquarters of
Union Oil Company of California to the City of Santa Paula. The
donation became official Dec. 27, 2023.
Included in the donation are the historic headquarters building,
a “Rig Building,” an adjacent parking lot, select oil industry
memorabilia, and a substantial $2 million grant. The grant is
intended to assist the City in addressing maintenance for the
133-year-old iconic building.
“For over 130 years, the former Union Oil Company of California
headquarters has been a major historic building that not only
defines the town’s aesthetics but also serves as a cultural and
economic anchor to businesses of all types in downtown Santa
Paula,” said Mayor Leslie Cornejo. “Acquiring this piece of local
history is a major win for our community, and we are looking
forward to restoring operations for our residents and visitors to
enjoy.”
On October 17, 1890, Union Oil Company of California was founded
in a second-floor office of the building. The building continued to
serve as Union Oil Company of California headquarters until the
company moved to Los Angeles in 1900. In 2005, the company was
acquired and became a Chevron affiliate.
“The birthplace of Union Oil Company of California is part of
the proud history of Chevron, and we recognize we share some of
that heritage with the City of Santa Paula,” said Gaynor Shirreffs,
President of Chevron Environmental Management Company. “We are
pleased to donate this historic building and entrust it to the
City’s stewardship so it may be used for the benefit and enjoyment
of the community.”
The Union Oil Company of California headquarters building is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a
California State Historical Landmark and Ventura County Historical
Landmark.
Since 1993, Union Oil Company of California has leased its
former headquarters and adjacent properties near the corner of Main
Street and 10th Street to the City of Santa Paula to serve as the
home of the California Oil Museum. The City, responsible for
facility repairs and maintenance, saw the museum managed by the
California Oil Museum Foundation, a small nonprofit organization
dedicated to preserving the historical significance of the
petroleum industry’s early impact on the region. Unfortunately, due
to pandemic-induced financial hardships, the California Oil Museum
Foundation had to close the museum in September 2021.
As the lease neared expiration, the City actively engaged with
Chevron to strategize the best approach to protect, preserve, and
financially support the property. In October 2022, the City Council
explored the opportunity to transfer ownership of the property,
aiming to broaden funding avenues for reopening the facility
through federal, state, and local grants, as well as capital
fundraising efforts.
In November 2022, Chevron proposed a donation by Union Oil
Company of California, encompassing the historic headquarters
building, the “Rig Building,” an adjacent parking lot, a $2 million
grant to address building maintenance along with select oil
industry memorabilia displayed in the museum.
The City, committed to responsible stewardship, plans to utilize
the generous grant for critical repairs and improvements, including
roof and HVAC system replacements, water damage repairs, and flood
prevention measures as well as establishing a trust to develop
reserves to maintain the building for generations to come.
Additionally, while the details of the transfer agreement were
in the works, the City Council commissioned an ad hoc committee to
explore options for the future use of the building. To ensure
inclusive community involvement in shaping the property’s future,
the City hosted a series of community workshops, including one
focused on youth feedback, led by David Yoshitomi, Arts &
Culture Manager of the County of Ventura. City staff, working
closely with the ad-hoc committee of the Council, current tenants,
and stakeholders, identified potential uses for the buildings.
“I am profoundly grateful to Chevron for their exceptional
generosity in donating the historic headquarters to the City,” said
Dan Singer, City Manager of Santa Paula. “Their support ensures
that the legacy of the Union Oil Company of California will
continue to thrive, serving as a catalyst for economic development
and community engagement in downtown Santa Paula. We extend our
heartfelt thanks to Chevron for their pivotal role in shaping the
future of our beloved city.”
On December 19, 2023, the City published a Request for Proposals
(RFP) to invite proposals for the potential use of this historic
property. The City envisions future tenants transforming the space
into a vibrant, educational, and community-oriented hub,
stimulating local businesses and attracting residents and visitors
alike. This multifaceted approach aligns with the vision of the
Union Oil Building as a catalyst for economic development in
downtown Santa Paula.
The City plans to commemorate this significant occasion with a
formal ribbon-cutting ceremony in April 2024, coinciding with the
celebration of Santa Paula’s 122 years of incorporation. For
additional information on the RFP, go to www.spcity.org.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240110749893/en/
Jonathan Royas, City of Santa Paula Public Information Officer
jroyas@spcity.org (805) 933-4201 Ext.286
Jeff Moore, Chevron Corporation Public Affairs Advisor
jmoore@chevron.com (925) 842-1617
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