URGENT UPDATE: In a surprising move, the Nimmo United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach has requested to exit its historic zoning designation, potentially dismantling the Nimmo Church Historical and Cultural District. The Planning Commission is set to deliberate this matter again on January 14, 2024, amid rising concerns over the financial burden of maintaining historic standards.
This request comes after both the Historic Review Board and Historic Preservation Commission denied previous applications from the church, raising questions about the feasibility of maintaining historical sites in the face of escalating costs. Church representatives were notably absent from the recent meeting, leaving commissioners to speculate on the church’s future renovations.
“It’s an important issue affecting our consideration of this district and other districts throughout the city,” said Commissioner Bryan Plumlee.
The church, founded in 1791, is recognized as the oldest Methodist church in the U.S. still in continuous operation. Its removal from the historic district would not only alter its status but could also set a troubling precedent for other historic sites across the city.
According to Mark Reed, the city’s historic preservation planner, the church’s desire to exit the district stems from “significant material and labor costs associated with repairs and improvements.” City officials are grappling with whether the review board’s standards are excessively stringent.
Commissioners expressed a need for more information regarding the proposed changes. The church has not submitted any recent applications for maintenance or repairs, raising further questions about its plans. Last approved requests included minor additions, but a significant proposal for a welcome center was denied due to its proximity to the church’s character-defining steeple, added in 1893.
Virginia Beach boasts 16 Historical and Cultural Districts, designed to protect structures from the Colonial era through the 20th century. The Nimmo district was established in 1980, primarily to safeguard the church and surrounding properties, including a recently built Royal Farms convenience store.
Councilwoman Barbara Henley, representing the area, has voiced her concerns about the review board’s rigorous standards. She advocates for a balanced approach that meets the church’s needs while preserving historical integrity. “Being in the (historic and cultural) district, they’re just required to meet the highest standard of historic preservation,” Henley noted.
As the city continues to debate the implications of this request, the outcome could resonate beyond the Nimmo United Methodist Church. Stakeholders are watching closely as the Planning Commission prepares to reconvene in January, making this a critical juncture for Virginia Beach’s historical preservation efforts.
The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as the Planning Commission re-evaluates the request. Community members and preservation advocates are encouraged to follow developments closely, as the decision could redefine the future of historic preservation in the city.
