>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

LANDMARK: Union's big, old hotel, built in 1920, is now owned and operated by two longtime California business partners. (Observer photos/PHIL BULLOCK).

Bill Rautenstrauch

The Observer

UNION — Robb Saye and David Barcala came, saw and couldn't resist.

That, basically, is how the longtime California business partners explained their decision to buy the Union Hotel, a three-story brick hostelry that has, since its construction in 1920, been a dominant feature on Union's Main Street.

"David saw it for sale on the Internet, and in August we came up to take a look. We just fell in love with it," Saye said.

The hotel has changed hands numerous times over the years, and the various owners have tried different things with it. In addition to fulfilling its role as a hotel, it's been home to restaurants and gift shops and more.

In 1996, Twyla and Alan Cornelius bought it. With the help of a woodworker named Henry Johnson, they began an extensive renovation. They worked hard to preserve the building's history.

"You've got to give them a lot of credit. They did an incredible job. We want to keep up what they started," Barcala said.

Added Saye, "We're working closely with the Oregon Historical Society because the hotel's in a historic district."

Having restored the first two floors — including the ornate lobby and homey, spacious dining and meeting room — to their old-time charm, the Corneliuses decided to sell the property. A sale several years ago ended in repossession.

The deal with Saye and Barcala closed in October, at a price of $585,000. The two men moved bag and baggage to Union, the city they now call home.

"We liked the idea of a small town. We both have small-town roots and we wanted to get back to that atmosphere," Saye said.

They brought with them their own antiques, and placed many in the hotel.

A bookcase and rocking chair passed down in Saye's family grace the dining and meeting room. They look just like they belong there.

"They fit real well," Saye said. "We've tried to make the place our own."

Saye was born and raised in the Santa Ynez Valley, and went to Cal-Poly at San Luis Obispo. He graduated with a degree in animal science.

Barcala is a product of Blythe, Calif., who earned an accounting degree at Cal-Poly, Pomona.

The two have been friends since 1981, and went into business together in 1989. Successively, they ran a bakery and deli, and a restaurant called the Howling Cow Cafe, near the University of Santa Cruz.

In 1999, Saye took a job as food service and facilities manager at Roaring Camp Railroads, while Barcala worked other places as an accountant.

Then came the chance to buy the old hotel.

After their move to Union, the pair spent a month getting organized and making plans. The hotel remained open through the initial phases.

Today, Saye and Barcala have 16 rooms available for rent, each decorated differently, each sporting period furniture and fixtures.

One is named the Clark Gable Room because legend has it the star once slept there.

Another is the Annie Oakley Room, so-named because a movie starlet who once played the sharpshooter was a guest.

A third is the 19th Hole, in honor of nearby Buffalo Peak Golf Course.

"We hope to team up with the golf course, and other businesses, too, to offer some package deals," Saye said.

There are four apartments in the building for year-round tenants, plus an eight-space RV park around the back.

In the spring, plans call for re-opening the hotel's restaurant under the name Union Hotel Fireside Cafe and Pub.

Beyond that, there's plenty more work to do. Johnson continues to help with renovation, working out of a shop in the basement.

Saye and Barcala hope Johnson will be around for awhile, since the entire third floor needs remodeling.

"We think that will take three or four years," Barcala said.

Most of all, the partners hope the hotel plays an important role in the local economic picture.

They said they plan to work closely with local businesses and local government whenever possible.

"We can't survive if Union doesn't survive. You've got to work together," Saye said.

Counting Jordan Cornelius, son of Alan and Twyla, the hotel employs three people during the winter season. The owners say it could employ up to 10 in the summer months.

Several groups have rented the meeting room for conferences and other events since Saye and Barcala took over. The partners look for that to continue.

"Our goal is to have people coming in year round," said Saye.