New Sanctuary in Anson, TX

First Methodist Church in Anson is building a new sanctuary that will add 4,452 square feet to the existing structure at 832 Commercial Ave. This expansion project, filed under the name New Sanctuary, represents a significant investment of $2,800,000 in Jones County. The work involves additions to the current building rather than a ground-up construction, integrating the new space into the church's existing footprint.

The project registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in January 2026. Plan review was completed in February 2026, clearing the path for construction to begin that same month. According to the TDLR filing, the project is scheduled to finish in February 2027. This one-year construction window reflects the scope of work required to build a sanctuary of this size and complexity within the existing property boundaries.

Design and Ownership

The United Methodist Church is the owner of record for this development. Jacob Martin serves as the design firm of record, responsible for the architectural plans that passed review. Stephen D Macphie is the registered accessibility specialist associated with the filing, ensuring the new sanctuary meets required accessibility standards. The project is privately funded and located on private land for private use, distinct from public infrastructure projects.

Jacob Martin has a substantial portfolio in the region, with six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $7,060,250. These include the Bennie Houston Recreation Center in Brownwood and various projects for Anson ISD. This experience suggests a familiarity with both institutional and educational construction in West Texas. The cost per square foot for the Anson sanctuary is $629, a figure derived directly from the estimated cost and square footage provided in the filing.

Local Context

Anson is a small community in Jones County with a population of about 2,635 according to U.S. Census estimates for ZIP code 79501. The median household income in the area is $56,547, and the median owner-occupied home value is $88,400. The housing stock is predominantly owner-occupied, with 1,386 total housing units. The unemployment rate in Jones County was 4.2 percent in July 2026, which is higher than it was a year earlier. This economic context frames the local labor market available for such a construction project.

The TDLR status is Review Complete, indicating that the regulatory hurdles for starting construction have been cleared. The project is not a new standalone building but an addition to the existing First Methodist Church facility. The specific scope is defined as a new sanctuary, which is the primary worship space for the congregation. The filing does not indicate any changes to the address or the legal entity of the owner beyond the United Methodist Church designation.