The Varsity Theater is an eyesore. The empty cinema, abandoned by Malco when it opened its new multiplex on Highway 45 near Kmart, has sat dormant for years. The structure has little if no architectural or historical value. The theater”s next-door neighbor, the Gilmer Inn, isn”t helping the area”s ambiance.
So we were a little surprised when Hope Community Church found opposition to its plan to renovate the Varsity, turning it into not only a church, but a coffee shop.
The church”s concrete plan is butting up against others” lofty dreams for the property. Some in the community have suggested the Trotter Convention Center could expand into the Varsity, and the Gilmer could be demolished to make way for a newer hotel that could connect to a souped-up convention center complex. It could happen … someday.
In the meantime, the church has a viable plan for the Varsity, and plans to sink money into its renovation — certainly an upgrade from what”s already there. The church brought its plan to the Columbus Planning Commission on Monday. The lobby would contain a donations-driven coffee shop, with the church”s meeting space in the back.
Although a nonprofit, the church says it would pay property taxes and sales taxes on what it sells, and also would not object to alcohol sales at nearby businesses. (Current laws don”t allow alcohol sales within a certain distance of a church.)
Churches typically locate in more residential areas — and granting the church”s request could open the doors for other churches to locate downtown, some argued. But few, if any, other churches would agree to what Hope Community Church is proposing.
Some speaking at Monday”s meeting said that the church would be taking up space that could be used for business. Huh? The Varsity has been empty for a decade. Empty storefronts come and go downtown with regularity.
There seems to be room for this church.
At the very least, the church moves in, renovates the building, and moves out. We”re left with a renovated Varsity, and we”re better off than we were before.
There are other factors to be considered. Parking. Architectural considerations. The whole legality of this nonprofit paying taxes.
But we should give this church”s plan a fair shake. The commission will take the matter up again at its next meeting, June 13.
Do religion and coffee mix? Maybe so.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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