Calumet College of St. Joseph announced Dec. 20 it received a gift of $200,000 from BP America for educational programming at its Heritage Room, being developed atop the 7th floor of the Smidt building, its main academic and administrative site.
Decades ago, the lounge was the exclusive domain of Standard Oil executives. It offered a respite and a cocktail from the daily routine of running the company’s refineries.
The lounge has remained frozen in time since 1973 when Standard Oil departed, donating the building to Calumet College. The oil company was later acquired by BP.
With part of a $15 million Lilly Endowment grant, the college is now developing a plan to repurpose and reopen the 7th floor lounge to showcase its history and impact on Northwest Indiana and the country.
“We are so grateful for this gift,” said Calumet College President Amy McCormack of the donation.
“It enables us to help live out our vision to serve as a vital educational resource not only for our students, but for the community beyond our campus. We look forward to this partnership with bp to help tell the story of the heritage we all share.”
Designed by Holobird & Root, the building opened in 1949 as a research and development site for Standard Oil. The architects oriented the top floor’s windows to allow views of the refinery.
The college plans to use the Lilly grant funding to provide direct elevator access to the top floor and add floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. Visitors will be able to enjoy views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, Whiting, Hammond’s Robertsdale neighborhood and area industries.
The Heritage Room will tell the story of the region’s industrial past that shaped it.
Signs will detail the oil company’s past, and Standard Oil’s early leaders, including founder John D. Rockefeller.
Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Co. established the Whiting refinery in 1889, because of its proximity to Chicago.
“Education is fundamental to community development, and we believe that our investment in the bp Heritage Room will help preserve and celebrate the rich history of our region,” said Chris DellaFranco, vice president of refining at bp’s Whiting Refinery.
Construction is expected to be completed next fall or spring 2026. College officials envision the Heritage Room to serve as an interactive public educational space that will also be available for private rental.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
