Commission recommends denying change to allow churches in downtown civic buildings

The Planning Commission on July 10 voted to recommend denial of a request to amend Section 2005.05 of the form‑based code to allow churches as a permitted use in civic buildings within the downtown context area.

Staff explained that churches are allowed in civic buildings in other context areas of the form‑based code but not in the downtown context. The request, brought by the owner of the Century Club building and Century Club Development LLC, would change the downtown code so civic buildings could be occupied by churches.

Property owner Gary (last name not read aloud in the record) explained the building’s history, saying the Century Club was dedicated in 1889 and historically served as a social and civic gathering place. He said retail uses installed around 2007 had struggled and that the current tenant mix includes about 11 locally owned businesses; he said the building has been difficult to maintain as retail and has been on the market for seven years. The applicant said a downtown church — Cornerstone PCA, which has met in the space for about a year — has grown and proposes additional programming that the owner and pastor say could increase downtown activity.

Matt Lukenbill, who identified himself as pastor of Cornerstone PCA, said the congregation began about a year ago and meets downtown; he described plans for additional community programming and weekday activity if the congregation could purchase the building.

Public commenters were split. Several downtown residents and business owners opposed the zoning change, citing the importance of preserving scarce retail frontage in a district designed to encourage tax‑generating businesses and foot traffic. One commenter said, “This area is for the nightlife. It is for the daylife. It is for the businesses that support our community.” Other commenters, including residents and supporters of the church, urged the commission to allow a civic use that the owner and pastor say better fits the building and its long‑standing civic character.

Commission discussion focused on whether the Century Club fits the definition of a civic building and whether permitting churches in downtown civic buildings would create spot zoning or conflict with the form‑based code and master plan. Several commissioners said the building is unique but cautioned that the request would change allowable uses across the downtown context area, with potential legal and policy ramifications.

A motion to recommend denial of the amendment passed on roll call. The item will go to the City Commission on July 22.