A coalition wants to preserve a historic Ocean Beach property threatened with replacement by affordable housing, offering instead to preserve the site as a community hub.
Ocean Beach and Point Loma community leaders are trying to preserve the historic property at 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., part of the area’s “Church Row,” which is owned by First United Methodist Church of Mission Valley.
The site, previously home to Point Loma United Methodist Church and more recently operating as Water’s Edge Church, has served as a cultural and social hub for nearly a century until 2023.
Discussions led by First United Methodist Church leadership propose selling the property for high-density affordable housing. Such a project, some fear, could result in the construction of an 80-plus unit, four-story apartment complex under San Diego’s Complete Communities program, potentially bypassing zoning and height restrictions. To explore this plan, First United Methodist Church has enlisted LeSar Development Consultants to provide recommendations.
Regarding the status of First United Methodist Church’s redevelopment plans, the Rev. Trudy Robinson, lead pastor of the church in Mission Valley said: “The church’s task force is still exploring the possibility of affordable housing in Ocean Beach, learning about needs and options concerning funding sources, development scenarios, process, and much more while having a conversation about how affordable housing fits into the church’s mission. We’ve learned a lot, and yet we know that it will still take some time.”
Asked if the church was working on any timeline for the potential redevelopment project, Robinson replied: “No timelines yet. Still too early.”
“We just want to have a conversation with First United Methodist Church, and look at an alternate plan to save the church property there, allowing for the services and the programs that are existing there to continue,” said Mike James, the coalition spokesperson. “That’s our main objective. What that looks like, we’re not sure. But first, we at least need to have a conversation with First United Methodist Church. And they have not been willing to meet with us.”
James said the coalition’s vision for preserving the 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. property includes maintaining the sanctuary, parish hall, and existing buildings for public use, while welcoming a new congregation, such as Submerge Church, to the space.
The preservation coalition has highlighted the potential loss of vital programs and services that currently operate on the church site, including:
- Ocean Beach Emergency Food Bank: Serving over 500 families weekly for nearly five decades.
- Community Connections: Supporting adults with developmental disabilities.
- Pioneer Programs/Community School of San Diego: One of the few schools dedicated to students with moderate to severe disabilities.
- Ocean Beach Historical Society: Offering free monthly lectures and maintaining an on-site archive dedicated to preserving local history.
- Recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, along with services for veterans and families.
The coalition is urging Ocean Beach and Point Loma communities, City officials, and stakeholders to support their initiative and prevent irreversible changes to the neighborhood. Residents are encouraged to join efforts to preserve the property’s legacy as a vital community resource. For more information or to get involved, contact the coalition at [email protected].
CHURCH ROW
The many churches of Ocean Beach have played a prominent role in the development of the community’s earliest days. Several, originally, held meetings in tents on the beach. OB’s Church Row is a rare resource that has lasted over a century. Established in 1928 as the Ocean Beach Community Church, the property previously known as Point Loma United Methodist Church at 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., has long been a beacon of fellowship and service. Renamed the Water’s Edge Ministry in 2017, it expanded its role as a community center before the congregation’s permanent closure in 2023.
