Dec. 31–The Pierpont Inn is starting 2014 with a new name, the Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn.

Owner Brighton Management renamed the century-old historic property Dec. 18 to try to increase occupancy by using Wyndham’s national registration system.

The move is already producing results, the company said. On Monday, Wyndham’s system generated 16 reservations, which filled nearly 21 percent of the 77-room inn, said Victor Dollar, regional manager for Brighton.

“We’re happy to say that it looks like we’re going to be full tonight,” Dollar said Tuesday, before the hotel’s Roaring Twenties New Year’s Eve party.

The landmark lodging facility sits on 6 acres at 550 San Jon Road and has suites and cottages with ocean views. Notable guests have included film director Cecil B. DeMille and President George H.W. Bush. It was built in 1910, partly to accommodate motorists traveling along the coast.

Signs will soon be changed to reflect the new name, but “Pierpont Inn” will be kept in it, Dollar said. Wyndham also is open to maintaining the hotel’s antique styling. Some d?cor will need to meet Wyndham standards, however, so planned renovations were put off while the franchise agreement was being worked out.

Now that the deal is done, hotel officials hope Wyndham’s worldwide reservation system and marketing support will boost midweek occupancy levels, which would in turn drive up revenue and help support renovations.

Brighton bought the property for $6.5 million at auction in late 2012 from the Ahn Family Trust after its trustee, Grace Ahn, filed for bankruptcy protection.

Dollar found the biggest disappointment the neglect of normal maintenance. His team began replacing carpet, painting, replacing trim and bringing in new computer systems. The rooms will get new granite counter tops and new flat-screen TVs.

The plan is to invest several million dollars into the property. When finished, Dollar hopes visitors will be struck by the new driveway and entryway and the freshness of the rooms.

Marlyss Auster, executive director of the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, said she was “thrilled” that changes are coming to the Pierpont Inn.

The past owners were “disconnected,” she said. “So it’s nice to get them onboard and join the community again.”