TSVCA Space Force Modifications

The Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene is undergoing new construction work to install approximately 700 square feet of concrete flatwork and rearrange flag poles in the existing Assembly Area. This specific modification, filed as TSVCA Space Force Modifications - Abilene, is located at 7457 West Lake Road in Jones County. The project was registered with TDLR in September 2026, and completion is targeted for January 2027.

The Veterans Land Board serves as the owner of record for this improvement. Gilpin Engineering, LLC is the design firm of record, while Clinton P Ryan is the registered accessibility specialist. The estimated cost for this work is $141,000, which calculates to $201 per square foot. The project involves public funds and public land, ensuring the facility meets federal and state accessibility standards.

The scheduled build window is 92 days, starting in October 2026. This timeline is shorter than the 152-day median for new construction projects in Jones County. The estimated cost is below the county median of $574,500 for similar filings, placing this project in the bottom quarter of recent costs in the area. However, the cost per square foot is above the county median of $145 per square foot.

This geographic detail is relevant for construction planning and long-term site maintenance. The project is part of a broader effort by the Veterans Land Board, which has another registered project for the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission valued at $750,000. That previous project is marked as inspection complete, indicating a pattern of ongoing facility upgrades across the state.

Abilene’s ZIP code 79601 has a population of about 26,917 residents according to U.S. Census estimates. The median household income in this area is $54,515, and the median owner-occupied home value is $182,900. The housing market shows an even mix of owner- and renter-occupied units. This context helps situate the project within the local community it serves, providing a backdrop for the scope of this specific infrastructure update.

With plan review pending, the physical work is set to begin in October 2026. The focus on the Assembly Area suggests an emphasis on improving the usability and accessibility of the space where veterans and their families gather for ceremonies. The precise scope of concrete installation and flag pole arrangement indicates a targeted upgrade rather than a full-scale renovation. The project remains registered with TDLR, ensuring compliance with the Texas Accessibility Code.