URGENT UPDATE: The historic **Nimmo United Methodist Church** in **Virginia Beach** has officially requested to be removed from its **Historic and Cultural District** designation, a move that could have significant implications for the city’s preservation efforts. This request, presented to the **Planning Commission** on **December 3, 2023**, has raised immediate concerns about the stringent standards enforced by the **Historic Review Board**.
The church, recognized as the oldest Methodist church in continuous use in the United States, is grappling with rising costs for necessary repairs and improvements. According to **Mark Reed**, the city’s historic preservation planner, the financial burden has led church officials to seek relief from the costly review process tied to its historical designation.
City officials are questioning whether the current preservation standards are too demanding, making it difficult for churches and other historic buildings to maintain their structures. The church’s removal from the district would also eliminate the district entirely, a point of contention among local preservation advocates.
The Planning Commission has deferred making a decision until **January 14, 2024**, seeking additional information on the church’s specific needs and proposed alterations. Commissioner **Bryan Plumlee** stated, “It’s an important issue affecting our consideration of this district and other districts throughout the city.”
The Nimmo Church Historical and Cultural District, established in **1980**, encompasses several significant sites, including a recently built **Royal Farms** convenience store. Virginia Beach currently has **16 Historical and Cultural Districts** aimed at preserving structures dating from the Colonial era to the 20th century.
Both the Historic Review Board and the **Historic Preservation Commission** have previously denied the church’s removal request, citing the importance of maintaining historical identity. In an official letter, the Commission emphasized that removing the designation would strip essential protections from a site significant to the city’s heritage.
Councilwoman **Barbara Henley**, who represents the church’s district, has expressed concerns about the review board’s standards and is advocating for a balanced solution that considers both preservation and the church’s financial realities. “Being in the district, they’re just required to meet the highest standard of historic preservation,” she noted, adding that the costs have become prohibitive for many.
As the church navigates this contentious issue, it remains unclear what specific repairs or improvements are being sought, as no recent applications have been submitted to the review board. Historically, the church has received approvals for several projects, but the board has denied others, including a proposed welcome center due to its impact on the church’s iconic **steeple**, a feature added in **1893**.
In light of these developments, the community is watching closely as the Planning Commission prepares to revisit the church’s request next month. The outcome could set a precedent for future preservation efforts across Virginia Beach.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds, and share your thoughts on the implications of this historic decision.
