95-Year-Old Los Angeles Church Reimagined as Boutique Hotel
The former Bethany Presbyterian Church in Silver Lake has been transformed into Hotel Lucile, a 25-room boutique hotel that preserves many of its original architectural elements.
A nearly century-old church in Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood has been revitalized as a boutique hotel, blending historic architecture with modern amenities. Hotel Lucile, a 25-room establishment, opened its doors on September 14, marking a new chapter for the building originally constructed as the Bethany Presbyterian Church in 1931.
The transformation, which took approximately seven and a half years, aimed to find a new purpose for the structure while retaining its historical significance, according to Anthony Gutierrez, the opening general manager.
Over the decades, the building has served multiple roles, including as a theater and an antique market, before its recent conversion. Throughout the restoration, efforts were made to preserve key features from its time as a place of worship. These include stained-glass windows, high ceilings, and original wooden beams.
The former chapel has been converted into the hotel's restaurant and dining area, with approximately 90% of its original elements maintained. Modern necessities such as electrical and plumbing systems, as well as soundproofing for guest rooms, were integrated by carefully removing and then re-installing the original wood flooring.
Gutierrez noted that the restoration process presented challenges, with unexpected issues arising even as the project neared completion. Balancing the preservation of original architectural details with modern building requirements was described as a painstaking process.
In addition to preserving the historic features, the hotel incorporates contemporary touches, such as an Erewhon-curated minibar and a daily martini cart service. The property also showcases an art collection, with two large hand-painted murals in the former chapel and other artworks displayed throughout. Some pieces are part of a permanent collection, while others are available for purchase.
Gutierrez suggested that this blend of historic charm and modern comfort offers a unique experience for travelers, encouraging them to explore something different from a conventional hotel stay.