Arend Petroleum Company, Historical oil refinery building in Oranjestad, Aruba
The Arend Petroleum Company building stands on L.G. Smith Boulevard in Oranjestad and displays industrial architecture from the early oil era. The facility included a residential area with 24 wooden bungalows, tennis courts, and a swimming pool built for employees.
The company was founded in 1927 as Compania Mexicana de Petrol el Aquila and operated as a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell Group. It became a major economic force on the island, processing crude oil at large scale.
The name reflects eagle symbolism that defined the company and shaped the design of its attached workers settlement. It served as a hub for the community, where employees and their families gathered together.
The building is visible from L.G. Smith Boulevard and can be viewed from the street. The location sits centrally in Oranjestad and is easy to reach from the main road.
The facility came under attack by German submarines in 1942 during World War II. This led to temporary closure and the rerouting of oil processing to other locations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
