First United Methodist Church of Denton members approved the $40 million low-cost housing development on their property on Sunday, March 5. 

The Denton Record-Chronicle reported that 205 voted yes, and only 12 voted against it. 

Approval of $40M Low-cost Housing Development

The downtown church unveiled a stunning vision for the welfare of the city's working poor: The congregation blessed a plan to develop a 185-unit apartment on two acres of church land in the heart of Denton.

According to the Denton Record-Chronicle, families struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing cost of homeownership will be the primary target market for this new property. Jeff Springer, the chair of the study committee leading the effort, said the cost of the apartment complex project is projected at $40 million. 

Based on their findings, the study team believes the venture will be financially viable.

The church plans to apply for state funding and has enlisted the help of two national partners: Volunteers of America and Matthews Southwest. 

Volunteers of America is a faith-based organization specializing in affordable housing. At the same time, Matthews Southwest is known for its work on Omni Dallas Hotel and the New Orleans convention center hotel project.

According to officials, it was also reported that the Denton project is expected to be built in style consistent with the rest of the city's architecture. The complex's first floor will initially be set up for commercial use.

With this low-cost housing development, Springer revealed that the church would benefit when finished. 

About First United Methodist Church of Denton

Methodists strive to be welcoming people who are open to God and each other.

There is a strong sense of community at First United Methodist Church of Denton, where members work together toward the common goal "to shine God's love into every life."

The church offers three types of worship: Mosaic, Sanctuary, and Open Worship. 

According to the church's website, Mosaic is about creatively praising God alongside individuals from all walks of life, ages, and experiences. 

This contemporary worship music with a twist is played in an eclectic style that speaks directly to the soul of a creative person.

The 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service is a more convenient service that remains current and rooted for today through the use of new liturgy, congregational singing, and musical leadership from their choirs.

Preaching by Rev. Jonathan Perry and worship leadership by Krystal Stroud, among others, make Open Worship a welcoming, diverse, and contemporary place of worship.

During Open Worship, anyone will find a group of people who share a special bond with Denton and are open to experiencing God's radical love with them.

Beliefs

The First United Methodist Church of Denton is a community of believers committed to spreading God's love to all people. 

As a congregation, they believe that everyone deserves a place in their midst. They value humanity's uniqueness and variety as much as everyone else.

FUMC Denton is a community of believers who are driven to serve their neighbors by Christ's love and God's grace.

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