URGENT UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, the centuries-old Nimmo United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach has formally requested to be removed from the city’s historic zoning designation. This move, if approved, would eliminate the entire Nimmo Church Historical and Cultural District, raising significant questions about the future of historic preservation in the area.
During a recent meeting on December 6, 2023, the Planning Commission heard the church’s request amid growing concerns over the stringent standards enforced by the Historic Review Board. Church representatives were notably absent, leaving city officials and commissioners to deliberate on the implications of such a removal. The decision has been deferred until January 14, 2024, as commissioners seek more information on the church’s motivations and proposed alterations.
According to Mark Reed, the city’s historic preservation planner, the church’s request stems from “significant material and labor costs associated with repairs and improvements desired by the church.” The potential removal raises alarm among city officials, as it could set a precedent for other historic properties in Virginia Beach, which boasts 16 Historical and Cultural Districts established to protect valuable structures from the Colonial era through the 20th century.
Commissioner Bryan Plumlee stressed the importance of the issue, stating, “It’s an important issue affecting our consideration of this district and other districts throughout the city.” The Nimmo United Methodist Church, recognized as the oldest Methodist church in continuous use in the United States, has deep historical roots, with its original structure dating back to 1791.
Further complicating matters, both the Historic Review Board and the Historic Preservation Commission have already denied the church’s request for removal, citing concerns that it would undermine the basic protections integral to the city’s historical identity. Councilwoman Barbara Henley, representing the district where the church is located, expressed her awareness of the challenges the church faces under the current preservation standards, emphasizing the need for a balanced solution.
“Being in the (historic and cultural) district, they’re just required to meet the highest standard of historic preservation,” Henley noted. “That gets extensive. After a while, it just gets to be so costly you just can’t afford it.”
The church has not submitted recent applications for repairs or alterations, leaving many questions unanswered about the specific improvements it seeks. Previously, the Historic Review Board approved three additions to the church in 2021, but denied plans for a welcome center, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the church’s historic features, such as its iconic steeple added in 1893.
As the debate continues, the outcome of the Planning Commission’s decision could have far-reaching implications for historic preservation efforts across Virginia Beach. Residents and advocates for preservation are urged to stay informed as the January 14 meeting approaches, where the future of the Nimmo Church Historical and Cultural District hangs in the balance.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, follow local news sources and community discussions surrounding the preservation of Virginia Beach’s historical heritage.
