Scientologists’ Delays Extend the Wait for Hotel Alexandra’s Restoration

Six years after the Church of Scientology of Boston bought the once-grand Hotel Alexandra in the South End, dreams of restoration remain unfulfilled.

While it still plans to eventually make the building its Boston headquarters, the church ran short of money, scaled back its ambitious renovation plan, and has moved to temporary quarters in Quincy.

This latest delay has left some once-optimistic South End neighbors frustrated. Any renovations to the hotel face unique and expensive challenges, The Boston Globe reports.

The 1875 late Gothic building is in the South End Landmark District, which requires that its colorful sandstone facade and cast-iron details be preserved. That challenge is reflected in the church’s original price tag for restoration, a hefty $17 million.

Even a scaled-down renovation could be financially difficult for the church, in part, because Scientology policy forbids borrowing money, the Globe reported.

Read the full Boston Globe Story here.