Blending history and innovation
100 Seneca is a visionary project initiated by the Venango County Economic Development Authority. After years of construction, the space has been successfully transformed into a business innovation hub on the upper floors and a food hall on the first floor featuring locally-owned restaurants, revitalizing one of Oil City’s most iconic structures.
The Venango County Economic Development Authority
The Venango County Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) aims to enhance quality of life and diversify the economy in Venango County by improving regional infrastructure, developing the workforce, and enriching cultural amenities.
Hundred Seneca
The Journey
Originally designed to host a multi-floor business incubator, makerspace, and co-working space, the concept evolved over time to focus the innovation center on a single floor. Despite these changes, the mission to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement has remained steadfast.
This historic building was chosen for its natural alignment with key objectives: igniting innovation, creating a regional food and beverage destination, and addressing a long-vacant, blighted property that had become a visible void in Oil City’s Northside.
This photo shows the fifth floor before renovations in 2017.
As one of the most prominent structures in the area, 100 Seneca holds a strong connection to the community. Many residents remember its days as a bustling bank, and its extended vacancy fueled curiosity about its condition and future. The project quickly captured attention, with passersby frequently peeking through the windows, intrigued by the renewed activity inside.
Following a feasibility analysis that confirmed the building’s structural soundness, development moved forward with determination. 100 Seneca now stands as a symbol of revitalization, blending history and innovation while serving as a cornerstone for growth and opportunity in Oil City.
A snapshot history of Oil City's oil boom:
Drake strikes oil and begins the American oil rush.
Annual U.S. crude oil production rises from .5 million barrels to 2.1 million.
A group of men from Oil City receive a charter from the state to create the Oil City Oil Exchange.
Construction of the Oil City Oil Exchange begins.
Standard Oil controls 90% of the nation’s refining capacity.
Averaging a daily trade of 10-14 million barrels of oil, the Oil City Oil Exchange became the third-largest financial exchange in the United States.
Standard Oil organized the National Transit Company.
Pennsylvania produces 58% of the country's oil.
The Oil City Oil Exchange is closed due to declining business.
Pennsylvania oil boom ends.
First plant for extracting natural gasoline from natural gas by the compression method built by Andrew Fasenmeyer near Drake Well at Titusville, PA.
The Oil Exchange building is sold to the National Bank.
The Oil City National Bank is constructed after the Oil Exchange building is razed.
Mellon Bank, the last banking-related owner of the building, ceases operations.
The building becomes vacant.
The building is purchased by Venango County and ownership is transferred to the Venango County Economic Development Authority.
Renovations begin.
5th floor renovations are completed and the building is rebranded as 100 Seneca.