Historic Church’s Transformation Plans Threatened by City Rejection

The article details the challenges faced by Noam Krasniansky and his wife, who purchased the Euclid Methodist Church in St. Petersburg for $1. 1 million with the intention of transforming it into an event space named The Treehouse. After investing over $300,000 into restoring the neglected church, which has been vacant since 2005 and received historic designation in 2004, their plans were thwarted when the city's Community Planning and Preservation Commission rejected their proposal. This decision raised concerns about the potential demolition of the building.

Krasniansky expressed frustration, arguing that the rejection contradicts the goal of preserving historical landmarks. The proposed venue would accommodate up to 184 guests and include a tearoom and suites, leveraging the couple's experience in sustainable ventures. Local residents are divided, with some supporting the preservation efforts while others voice concerns over noise and parking issues. The article emphasizes the tension between development aspirations and community preservation efforts in St. Petersburg, leaving the future of the church uncertain as the couple seeks alternative solutions to save the landmark.