Setback in Revitalization of St. Petersburg’s Euclid Methodist Church

News Summary

Efforts to restore St. Petersburg’s Euclid Methodist Church, purchased for $1.1 million, faced a significant setback when the Community Planning and Preservation Commission denied the proposal for a new event space due to parking and noise concerns. The owners had invested over $300,000 to revitalize the historic structure, which has been vacant since 2005. With a capacity for 184 guests, the envisioned venue aimed to become a central hub for weddings and events, but the future remains uncertain after the City Council’s deadlock on the appeal.

St. Petersburg’s Historic Euclid Methodist Church Revitalization Efforts Hit a Snag

In the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, a fascinating chapter is unfolding regarding the restoration of the nearly century-old Euclid Methodist Church, also known fondly as the Euclid Mansion. This historic building, located at 919 10th Ave. N, opened its doors way back in 1926, and while it has seen many seasons, it has been vacant since 2005. In 2004, it received a historic designation, which signified its importance to the community.

A New Beginning?

Fast forward to August 2023, when Noam and Irene Krasniansky decided to breathe new life into this gem by purchasing it for a whopping $1.1 million. The couple, who moved to the area earlier this year, has poured their hearts and a substantial sum of over $300,000 into repairing the church, tackling issues ranging from mold to crumbling red bricks caused by hurricanes and years of neglect.

An Ambitious Vision

The Krasnianskys unveiled their ambitious plans for a one-of-a-kind event space dubbed “The Treehouse”. Set to launch in February 2024, this venue was envisioned as a charming spot for hosting weddings and special events. With a capacity of up to 184 guests, it aims to feature a cozy 40-seat tearoom and include seven suites for overnight stays, attracting both locals and visitors looking for a unique experience.

Support and Opposition

parking and noise, raising eyebrows and fostering unease in the community.

According to city regulations, the venue needs to provide 42 parking spaces, a requirement that The Treehouse simply cannot meet. The design included a mere six standard, two disabled, and one rideshare space, accompanied by letters of intent for 176 off-site spaces. This situation left many neighbors troubled—many expressed worries over potential noise disruptions and inadequate parking.

A Pivotal Decision

The Heartbreak of Rejection

The Future of the Euclid Mansion

As St. Petersburg watches, the story of the Euclid Methodist Church continues. Will the Krasnianskys find a way to overcome the obstacles? Only time will tell, and the neighborhood is undoubtedly keeping a close eye on what is to come next.

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Additional Resources

• St. Pete Catalyst: Historic Church to Become Unique Event Facility
• ABC Action News: Local Couple Restoring Historic Church in St. Pete
• St. Peter Ising: A Missed Opportunity – St. Pete Commission Denies Bid
• Wikipedia: Church Architecture
• St. Peter Ising: St. Pete City Council Rejects Plan to Convert Historic Church