URGENT UPDATE: A centuries-old church in Virginia Beach, the Nimmo United Methodist Church, has officially requested to be removed from its historic zoning designation, sparking a heated debate among city officials. This request, presented at a Planning Commission meeting on January 14, could reshape the dynamics of preservation in the area.
The church, recognized as the oldest Methodist church in continuous use in the United States, claims that the current zoning restrictions impose significant financial burdens due to high material and labor costs for necessary repairs and improvements. The Historic Review Board and the Historic Preservation Commission have both denied the church’s request, raising concerns about the potential implications for historic preservation across Virginia Beach.
Commissioners voiced their concerns during the meeting, indicating that they require further information before making a decision. Commissioner Bryan Plumlee emphasized the importance of this issue for the future of historic districts, stating, “It’s an important issue affecting our consideration of this district and other districts throughout the city.”
The Nimmo United Methodist Church is located near the intersection of General Booth Boulevard and Princess Anne Road, within a district established in 1980. This area is one of 16 Historical and Cultural Districts in Virginia Beach, which safeguard structures from the Colonial era to the 20th century. The city’s Historic Review Board evaluates applications for alterations, requiring a “certificate of appropriateness” for any exterior changes.
The decision to deny the church’s removal was influenced by the potential negative precedent it could set, according to city officials. On December 3, the Historic Preservation Commission reiterated their stance, stating that removing the church from the district would strip essential protections from a site integral to the city’s historical identity.
City Council member Barbara Henley has expressed awareness of the church’s struggles, indicating her desire for a resolution that balances preservation and practical needs. “Being in the [historic and cultural] district, they’re just required to meet the highest standard of historic preservation,” Henley noted. “After a while, it just gets to be so costly you just can’t afford it.”
While the church’s representatives did not attend the recent meeting, it remains unclear what specific repairs or improvements are sought. The church has not submitted any recent applications for maintenance or alterations, although previous requests included three additions approved in 2021. Notably, plans for a welcome center were denied due to aesthetic concerns regarding the church’s historic steeple, a defining feature dating back to 1893.
As this situation develops, stakeholders in Virginia Beach are urged to watch for updates on the Planning Commission’s decision and any potential compromises that may arise. The outcome could significantly impact not only the church but also the future of historic preservation efforts throughout the city.
