BP community center in Midtown Anchorage, excluded from Hilcorp sale, will be taken over by nonprofit

A nonprofit group plans to take over the BP Energy Center in Midtown Anchorage so it continues to be available to community and educational groups.

BP Alaska is planning to sell its oil field assets to Houston-based Hilcorp in a $5.6 billion deal. But it’s turning over operation of the Energy Center — in the shadow of the company’s 15-floor headquarters, at 1014 Energy Court — to the Alaska Community Foundation.

[News of BP’s departure sends shock waves through Alaska nonprofit world]

BP built the center as a charitable commitment to the state, the foundation said in a statement Tuesday. Nonprofit groups can meet there for free. At BP’s request, the foundation will maintain the facility for at least 20 years after the oil field deal is approved by regulators, possibly this spring.

“Of all the accomplishments we’ve had in Alaska, we believe this to be our most important. We are leaving the Energy Center here for future generations," said Janet Weiss, president of BP Alaska. “We hope it serves as a reminder that 'community’ is what matters most.”

The Alaska Community Foundation connects donors with nonprofits. It will run Hilcorp’s donor program in Alaska after the business deal concludes, holding funds the company provides employees to spur donations.

The foundation also manages the BP Energy Center Fund, which will be used to help with the costs of operating the facility.

“It is a gift to the entire nonprofit community, and an extraordinary opportunity to amplify our mission to inspire the spirit of giving and connect people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever," said Carol Gore, chairwoman for the foundation.