Oroville Inn Restoration Aims to Revive Historic Downtown

Nonprofit group takes on renovation of iconic hotel to preserve local culture and bring back tourism.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:22am

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The Oroville Historical and Cultural Preservation Council has signed an 18-month lease to revitalize and renovate the historic Oroville Inn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The nonprofit group plans to eventually take full ownership of the hotel and restore it to its former glory as a hub for local events, tourism, and community preservation.

Why it matters

The Oroville Inn has long been a landmark in the city's downtown, hosting notable guests and events over the decades. Its restoration is seen as crucial to revitalizing Oroville's historic district and attracting visitors back to the area, which currently lacks any downtown hotels.

The details

The Oroville Historical and Cultural Preservation Council, led by Lori and Sean Pierce, will be converting the inn's dormitory-style rooms into studios and one-bedroom suites for students and traveling professionals. They also plan to restore six boutique hotel rooms on the mezzanine level and convert the fifth floor into apartments. The inn's 'outlying' building will house a variety of commercial tenants like a cafe, tavern, market, and bakery to serve the local community.

  • The nonprofit signed an 18-month lease to revitalize the Oroville Inn at the beginning of 2026.
  • Ten of the renovated extended-stay suites are ready for occupancy now, with the remaining 10 set to be completed in about two more months.
  • The restoration of the six boutique hotel rooms on the mezzanine is about to begin after the design phase.

The players

Lori and Sean Pierce

Co-founders of the Oroville Historical and Cultural Preservation Council, who have extensive experience purchasing and restoring historic buildings in Oroville's downtown.

Natalie Sheard

President of the Oroville Downtown Business Association, Oroville Planning Commissioner, and the new general manager of the Oroville Inn.

Luke Sheard

Natalie's late husband, who specialized in the restoration of historic homes in Seattle for 40 years before the couple moved to Oroville.

Historic Oroville Inn, LLC

The current owner of the Oroville Inn, who has leased the property to the Oroville Historical and Cultural Preservation Council.

Oroville Historical and Cultural Preservation Council

A nonprofit group established to facilitate the resurrection of the Oroville Inn and preserve other historic sites and culture in the city.

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What they’re saying

“We love our community and its history is so worth saving.”

— Lori Pierce, Co-founder, Oroville Historical and Cultural Preservation Council

“Our commitment is to bring the inn back to what it was created to be, an economically sustainable hub that brings tourists to the area.”

— Natalie Sheard, General Manager, Oroville Inn

“People love stepping back in time, staying in historic hotels as they visit and explore historic towns. The inn is in a great location with lots of parking and within walking distance of the shops and restaurants and great architecture our historic district. People are going to love the love rooms as they enjoy Oroville.”

— Lori Pierce, Co-founder, Oroville Historical and Cultural Preservation Council

What’s next

The Oroville Historical and Cultural Preservation Council plans to host at least two preservation education events per year featuring professional speakers, as well as Heritage Craft Circle fundraising events starting in May to support the Oroville Inn restoration project.

The takeaway

The restoration of the historic Oroville Inn represents a community-driven effort to preserve the city's cultural heritage and revitalize its downtown, showcasing how dedicated local groups can breathe new life into iconic landmarks and attract visitors to appreciate a town's unique history.