CYPRESS : Motel Conversion Into Church OKd

A Korean congregation was granted permission by the City Council on Monday to convert a low-rent motel into a church.

Sion Sung Joong Ang Presbyterian Church is in the process of purchasing the property at 5271 Lincoln Ave., church spokesman Harry S. Lee said. The sale was contingent on the council’s decision.

Members of the 8-year-old church plan to refurbish the building and begin holding services for its 150 members as soon as possible. The church currently holds Sunday services in the community center at Oak Knoll Park.

The council unanimously approved the conversion and thanked the members for proposing to reconstruct what they said is an eyesore. “I am glad to see something being done to this property,” said Councilwoman Cecilia L. Age.

Originally known as the Jumbo Inn, the motel was converted in 1978 into a board-and-care facility. More recently the rooms have been rented as low-income apartments, with 10 families now occupying the building.

The council last year denied a request by owner Maria Machado to convert the board-and-care facility back into a motel because the building did not meet minimum standards for motel use.

The council agreed to let one family stay in the motel until the sale is completed. The current owners are responsible for helping the other residents relocate, Lee said.