In Los Angeles, a historic Presbyterian church has been converted into a boutique hotel

In Los Angeles, a large-scale renovation of a historic Presbyterian church building has been completed, and it now operates as a modern boutique hotel, according to the New York Post.

The building, constructed 95 years ago in the Silver Lake neighborhood, has had many owners over its long history: it has housed religious communities, a theater troupe, and an antique shop, after which the building stood abandoned for a long time. The revitalization process took more than ten years due to a series of bureaucratic hurdles, legal disputes with local residents, and financial difficulties faced by previous owners.

During the renovation, the architects managed to preserve the building’s historic appearance, including the stained-glass windows, the bell tower, the arched vaults, and the cross on the roof. The former church space was adapted to meet the needs of the hotel complex: it now features 25 guest rooms, a library, a swimming pool, conference rooms, and a terrace with a panoramic view of the city. The central hall of the former church now houses a restaurant and bar that can seat 120 guests, while the choir loft has been transformed into a cozy lounge. Rates at the new hotel start at $441 per night.

As a reminder, the Canadian Armed Forces have updated its guidelines for military chaplains, effectively restricting the ability of chaplains to openly express their religious beliefs at official events. According to the new guidelines, military personnel must adhere to the principle of neutrality when making public statements, avoiding the use of words, symbols, or actions characteristic of any particular denomination.