The Phoenix Rises: 5 Shocking Updates On The Long Beach Petroleum Club's Dramatic 2025 Revival
The Long Beach Petroleum Club (LBPC) has completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in Southern California's social history, transforming from a beloved institution facing demolition into a premier, sought-after event venue. As of late 2025, the biggest news is the official takeover of the lease by the elite, Orange County-based event and catering company, 24 Carrots, securing a vibrant future for the iconic mid-century modern landmark. This pivotal development ensures that the club, which once served the titans of the oil industry, will continue to host Long Beach's most significant galas, weddings, and corporate events for years to come.
This dramatic revival, following a period of decline and an uncertain sale, has cemented the LBPC’s place as a cultural and architectural anchor in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood. The club’s storied past, deeply tied to the Signal Hill oil boom, now blends seamlessly with its new role as a contemporary, high-end event space. From the historic Red Room to the expansive ballroom, the club is buzzing with a renewed energy, hosting major functions like the CSULB Black Alumni Gala and the Long Beach Century Club Sports Night Banquet in the current year. The club’s legacy is not just preserved; it's being actively redefined.
The Phoenix Rises: A New Era Under 24 Carrots (2025 Update)
The most crucial and up-to-date information regarding the Long Beach Petroleum Club revolves around its partnership with 24 Carrots, a move that has guaranteed the venue’s operational stability and elevated its prestige. The events company officially took over the lease in August 2025, signaling a massive investment in the club's future as a top-tier wedding and corporate events destination.
This development is a direct answer to the uncertainty that plagued the club following its sale in 2019 to the Wilkes Group, a time when many feared the architecturally significant building would face demolition.
- Elite Management: The transition to 24 Carrots brings a level of catering and event planning expertise previously unseen at the club, promising a more polished and upscale experience for all patrons.
- Secured Future: By becoming a dedicated, high-end venue, the club avoids the pitfalls of declining membership that led to its initial financial struggles and subsequent sale.
- Venue Availability: Despite its turbulent past, the club remains a highly active and sought-after location. Recent high-profile events, such as the 5th Annual CSULB Black Alumni Gala in May 2025 and the Long Beach Century Club’s 67th Annual Sports Night Banquet, confirm its status as a premier gathering spot.
- Restoration and Preservation: The focus under the new management is on preserving the club’s iconic mid-century modern ambiance while modernizing its facilities to meet the demands of contemporary events.
The club’s location at 3636 Linden Ave. in Bixby Knolls remains a central hub for community and civic events, ensuring its historical importance to the city is maintained.
From Oil Tycoons to Event Venue: A Rich History of the LBPC
The Long Beach Petroleum Club was not just a social club; it was a powerful symbol of the city's economic engine. Its origins are inextricably linked to the booming oil industry of the mid-20th century.
The Founding and Golden Age:
The club was founded in 1953, during the height of the post-war oil boom, as the premier social club for the Long Beach oilmen. It served as an exclusive meeting place where oil executives, engineers, and industry leaders could network, dine, and relax.
The club's atmosphere during its golden age was one of lavish indulgence. Members would often drop in during lunch for drinks, a meal, or a few games of gin rummy, fostering a close-knit community among the city's financial elite.
The Decline and Near-Demise:
As the decades passed and the oil industry's dominance in Long Beach waned, the club's membership began to decline significantly. By the late 2010s, the financial strain became insurmountable, leading to the heartbreaking announcement of its sale in 2019.
The property was listed on LoopNet as a specialty property for sale, and the community rallied with social media pleadings for its survival. The sale to the Wilkes Group brought the terrifying prospect of demolition, which would have erased a significant piece of Long Beach's architectural and cultural history.
The eventual re-opening and subsequent partnership with 24 Carrots in 2025 is seen by many as a cultural victory, saving a landmark that represents a pivotal chapter in the city's development.
Mid-Century Modern Marvel: Architectural Significance and Iconic Spaces
Beyond its social function, the Long Beach Petroleum Club is celebrated for its distinctive architecture and design, making it a culturally significant structure. The building is a stunning example of mid-century modern design, specifically reflecting the lavish styles of the 1950s and 1960s.
The club’s interior is a time capsule, offering an authentic glimpse into the aesthetic of the era. The preservation of this style is a key element of its appeal as a modern event venue. Key architectural and interior entities include:
- The Red Room: One of the most famous and photographed spaces within the club, the Red Room is an iconic gathering spot that was featured prominently during the club's re-opening in 2021.
- The Ballroom: An expansive space designed to host large banquets and galas, it features high ceilings and period details that lend a touch of vintage elegance to any major event.
- The Swimming Pool: Located on the south side of the structure, the large swimming pool and its surrounding patio area offer a classic California outdoor setting, perfect for cocktail receptions and summer parties.
- Period Decor: The club is known for its lavish, preserved decor, which includes unique lighting fixtures, detailed wall paneling, and a general ambiance that transports guests back to the golden age of Long Beach.
The architectural significance of the club was a major factor in the community's fight to save it from demolition. Its unique design offers a distinctive backdrop that modern, cookie-cutter venues simply cannot replicate, giving it a competitive edge in the crowded Southern California events market.
In short, the Long Beach Petroleum Club is no longer just a relic of the past; it is a fully revitalized, premier event destination. The partnership with 24 Carrots has solidified its standing, ensuring that this mid-century modern jewel will continue to host Long Beach’s most memorable moments for a new generation. The story of the LBPC is a powerful testament to the community's desire to preserve its unique heritage while embracing a dynamic, modern future.
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