Wayfarers Chapel, a historic sanctuary in Rancho Palos Verdes, has faced challenges due to landslides that have forced it to close. Leaders of the chapel recently announced they have found a new location for the beloved site, about a mile west of its original position. This decision comes after significant land movement in the area threatened hundreds of homes and led to the chapel’s disassembly.
In May 2024, chapel leaders decided to take action as conditions worsened. They announced plans to dismantle the chapel, which is a national historic landmark and a popular spot for weddings. This week, they shared on their website that they have identified a promising new site next to Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall on the old Battery Barnes military property. However, they still need to secure the location and raise funds for rebuilding.
The executive director of the chapel, Dan Burchett, has indicated that the full cost of rebuilding could reach nearly $20 million. If they can gather the necessary funds, the new chapel will include a visitor center, a museum, a café, and gardens, all while maintaining the stunning ocean views that have attracted visitors for years.
The original chapel, built in 1951 and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr., has been damaged by recent landslides, which caused shattered windows and structural issues. Initially, chapel leaders considered rebuilding at the same location, but the ongoing risk of landslides made that option unfeasible. The new site is not located in the city’s landslide zone, providing a more stable environment for the chapel’s future.
The community is hopeful about the plans, and many are eager to see the chapel rise again in a safer location.