Century-Old Logan Square Church Repurposed As Circus School
CHICAGO (CBS) -- From the outside, it looks like a house of worship. But once inside, you'll see a transformation like no other.
As CBS 2's Sandra Torres reports, you'll see people swinging from the ceilings of this 107-year-old structure.
"We're really lucky, because have 38-foot points here which is unheard of in any circus school in the United States," said Shayna Swanson.
You heard that right--a circus school--training beginners and advanced performers inside this former Evangelical church in Logan Square.
The church was built in 1909, when it was originally a Norwegian church.
The school seems to have been welcomed by the neighborhood. Neighbors and former parishioners are glad the church space is being used. They feared it would be town down to make room for new condos.
Swanson is the owner of the school called Aloft Loft.
"Biggest challenge was installing rigging... very expensive," she said.
It's a new space that's giving students a different perspective.
"My reaction was like 'Ahhhhh.' It was really beautiful with the shining glass shining through," said student Martha Bayne.
And a new beginning for a Chicagoan whose dream has finally come true.
"It's been such a long journey and I'm so happy it finally worked out," Swanson says.