A historic building in Los Angeles, originally built as the Bethany Presbyterian Church in 1931, has undergone significant restoration to become a boutique hotel named Hotel Lucile.
Located in the Silver Lake neighborhood, this property has a rich history, having served as a theater and an antique market before its latest transformation into a 25-room hotel with a courtyard cocktail pool, opened on September 14.
The restoration aimed to maintain original features of the church while adapting it for modern use, said Anthony Gutierrez, the hotel’s opening general manager.
Features such as stained-glass windows, wooden beams, high ceilings, and steel-framed windows have been preserved, adding to the hotel’s unique character.
A significant transformation occurred in the former chapel, now functioning as the hotel’s restaurant and dining room, where nearly all original aspects like wood flooring and beams were retained.
Renovation challenges arose with the nearly century-old building, particularly around integrating modern electrical and plumbing systems without compromising the architectural integrity.
Despite these hurdles, about 90% of the original features were preserved in the dining area, creating a blend of historical charm and modern functionality.
The newest addition to Hotel Lucile includes art installations, such as hand-painted murals in the former chapel along with other artworks, some available for purchase.
Modern amenities have also been introduced, including a curated minibar and a traveling martini cart, enhancing the unique experience for guests.
According to Gutierrez, the blend of historic and contemporary elements offers guests a distinct experience, diverging from conventional hotel stays.
Kelly McGreal, who contributed to this report, is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.