New Salem Fire Station in Henderson, TX

The New Salem VFD is constructing a new fire station at 18613 CR 4254 S in Henderson, Texas. This 7,050 sq ft facility, filed as the New Salem Fire Station, is scheduled to finish in December 2026. The project involves new construction of an unmanned volunteer fire department station that includes office space.

Project Overview and Scope

Registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in February 2026, the project is classified as new construction. The filing indicates the structure will serve as a functional hub for the New Salem Volunteer Fire Department, combining operational storage and equipment areas with dedicated office space. The estimated cost for the construction is $860,000. This figure places the project close to the median estimated cost for similar new construction filings in Rusk County, which stands at $750,000.

The design of record is handled by JC Design, with John C Tyson serving as the registered accessibility specialist. The TDLR status is listed as Review Complete, with plan review finalized in February 2026. Construction officially started in February 2026, aligning with the registration date. The project utilizes public funds or public land, ensuring it meets specific regulatory standards for public infrastructure.

Location and Market Context

This geographic detail is relevant for long-term structural planning and insurance considerations. The surrounding area, identified by ZIP code 75654, has a population of approximately 12,184 residents according to U.S. Census estimates. The median household income in this area is $69,986, and the median owner-occupied home value is $176,400.

In terms of construction efficiency, the estimated cost per square foot is $122. This is below the county median of $160 per square foot for comparable projects. The scheduled build window is 296 days, which is longer than the county median of 184 days for new construction filings. The Rusk County unemployment rate was recorded at 5 percent in July 2026, providing a snapshot of the local labor market during the construction period.

The project represents a significant investment in local emergency services infrastructure. By completing the new station, the New Salem Volunteer Fire Department will have a modernized facility designed to support their operations. The construction timeline, starting in February 2026 and scheduled to finish in December 2026, reflects a standard build cycle for a facility of this size and complexity.