A small, historic church where people once gathered in prayer is now an overnight hub for tourists in Santa Barbara, California. Casa Iglesia, a boutique hotel on Chapala Street, was formerly known as First Christian Church of Santa Barbara.

Preserving History

Developers spent two years converting the church into a high-tech hotel, taking care to preserve the landmark’s Spanish and Moorish architectural influences. An open-air atrium and lofts make beautiful use of the natural height, spaces, and views.

Daniel Salatino, Project Manager, said the team went to great lengths to honor the landscape and architecture that existed. The team even transplanted 100-year-old olive trees from Northern California to maintain the site’s historic charm.

Zen Stay Hospitality oversees contactless check-in and check-out for visitors, and each room comes equipped with a full kitchen for longer stays. The hotel’s unique blend of history and modern amenities is expected to attract tourists and locals alike.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.