The Garage Ministry, which for 14 years has operated out of a garage behind Ringo’s Donuts in Smithfield, is proposing to relocate and build its own space on Old Stage Highway.

Pastor Anthony Robinette’s request for a conditional use permit cleared its first hurdle on Sept. 24 when it received a unanimous recommendation for approval from Isle of Wight County’s Planning Commission.

Robinette’s plans call for building an 1,800-square-foot structure on a 1.2-acre parcel that presently includes the circa-1921 Cofer General Store. The plans call for saving, but not immediately using, the existing storefront.

“We definitely want to try to save it,” Robinette said.

According to a report by county staff, the Cofer store is in poor condition and not eligible for national register of historic places listing.

Robinette said his ministry works with other churches and interdenominational efforts such as the Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program headquartered on Grace Street in Smithfield. Robinette said he may eventually attempt to repurpose the store as a meeting space or community food pantry.

Robinette’s conditional use permit request is scheduled to go to county supervisors for a final public hearing and vote on Oct. 17.