property owner Noam Krasniansky, who plans to restore the Euclid Methodist Church | photo provided

Religious sermons and wedding bells may once again echo through the sanctuary of a 100-year-old historic brick church at the edge of St. Petersburg’s Euclid-St. Paul neighborhood.

The 100-year-old Euclid Methodist Church, located at 919 10th Avenue North, has sat vacant for years. Inside, it’s plagued with black mold, collapsed ceilings, and crumbling walls.

Yet despite the daunting repairs ahead, owners Noam and Irene Krasniansky are determined to breathe new life into the deteriorating building, which was added to the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places in 2004.

The couple purchased the church in 2023 for $1.1 million using profits from the sale of their Los Angeles home. Their original vision was ambitious: transform the church into a 180-person event venue with a seven-unit bed and breakfast called The Treehouse.

The exterior of the church today | Photo provided

However, after lengthy discussions with concerned neighbors over parking and noise, and a subsequent rejection of their adaptive reuse request by the St. Pete City Council in February, the Krasnianskys are now embracing a new plan—one that honors the building's original purpose.

“The neighbors opposed the event hall plans, and the community wants to see it restored as a church,” the couple told St. Pete Rising. “This is the only path forward to save the building. We’re not asking for permission to change anything—we’re returning it to its original use, which has never been lost.”

Since their announcement on social media, several local Christian ministers and pastors have reached out, and the Krasnianskys plan to meet with them. However, the couple emphasizes that they want to welcome people of all faiths to the new religious santuary.

Owner Noam Krasniansky providing a tour of the church with st. pete rising | st. pete rising

“It will be interfaith,” they said. “Rooted in the idea that all paths to the Divine are valid. We’re also thinking of keeping the sanctuary open for quiet reflection. While churches across the country are in decline, we’re trying a new approach.”

Now rebranded as The Treehouse Sanctuary, the church will host religious gatherings on select days, along with weddings and other private events accommodating hundreds of guests. The existing kitchen will be used by local chefs for pop-up dinners, and a coffee cart service is also planned.

For those concerned about event parking, the couple has secured over 100 off-site parking spaces through letters of intent from nearby businesses. They also have a partnership with Star Trolley, a private transit service that will shuttle guests between parking locations and nearby hotels.

To support their vision, the Krasnianskys are in the process of establishing the sanctuary as a nonprofit. This status would allow them to apply for federal grants to help cover renovation costs and legally host events inside and outside the church.

The sanctuary, which the couple said will be safe to house future guests | St. Pete Rising

In addition to grant funding, the couple plans to hold farmers’ markets featuring over 25 local vendors to help raise funds for restoration efforts.

“We’re just doing small repairs for now,” Noam said. “Our goal is to raise enough funds to fix the steeple. The sanctuary itself will be safe for guests.”

The first farmers’ market is scheduled for May 4th, with another on May 25th.

Follow The Treehouse on Instagram to stay updated on the couple’s inspiring journey to restore this beloved community landmark.