Historic Manassas Church weighs sale offer from data centers

The historic Manassas Church of the Brethren, established over 130 years ago, is evaluating a multi-million dollar offer to sell its property on Nokesville Road to a data center developer. The church's consideration comes as Black Chamber, a company already building data centers in the area, has acquired several surrounding parcels totaling over 12 acres for approximately $38.8 million, using a shell company called Nova Pineapple Farms LLC. This encroaching industrial development, which is zoned "by right" for data centers, has prompted the congregation to explore a potential relocation.

Rev. Mandy North of the Manassas Church of the Brethren expressed initial reluctance to sell, stating the church's long history and continued ministry. However, the congregation is weighing the offer, considering whether a new location closer to residential areas would better serve its mission. The church has expressed interest in purchasing 5 acres from the City of Manassas at the Landing at Cannon Branch, an area currently being developed with residential and commercial properties.

Manassas Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe confirmed the area around the church has long been zoned for industrial uses, and the city was not involved in recruiting Black Chamber. Wolfe, along with Economic Development Director Patrick Small, indicated that the city prefers commercial users for the Cannon Branch property and that a church relocation would require a comprehensive plan amendment. City Council members Ashley Hutson and Tom Osina expressed differing views on the potential relocation, with Hutson seeing community benefits and Osina emphasizing the church's historical significance while noting that no entity has "dibs" on the Cannon Branch land. Future data center deals in the Nokesville Road corridor are reportedly on hold pending the church's decision to sell or remain.