First Baptist Dallas Expansion

[MDE]

Robert Jeffress said the historic church needs to be in the thick of the building boom that's occurring in and near the city center.

"The finest facility in the heart of downtown Dallas ought to be a worship center dedicated to almighty God," said Dr. Jeffress, who grew up attending First Baptist Dallas and became its senior pastor in August.

Dr. Jeffress showed members conceptual drawings of a contemporary-style structure, featuring an abundance of glass. He said it would replace four older buildings owned by the church on the corner of Ervay and Federal streets.

... The church's current sanctuary was built in 1890-91, and has been the pulpit of such pastors as George Truett and W.A. Criswell. DMN: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/010708dnmetfirstbaptist.24cd30e.html

While churches may not worship money they sure seem obsessed with displays of wealth.

[tamtagon]

How about Reunion Arena. just kidding

I think it's fantastic that many of the downtown area churches are expanding; even better if some of the largest Jewish and Muslim religious services in were held in the downtown area too.

[MDE]

Was that a reference to Lakewood Church in Houston? They're based in what was The Summit/Compaq Center.

[tamtagon]

Was that a reference to Lakewood Church in Houston?

totally

[grantboston]

I'm not a baptist, but I feel like it's safe to say that once this project is completed, FBC Dallas will be the Baptist Vatican.

[clipper]

Unfortunately this plan will take out another historic building.

[I45Tex]

Clipper, I like that building too. I was DallasCADding around this summer trying to find all of the old mid-rises that are still standing downtown, and that was one of my favorites. Hopefully the patriotic new pastor will take another look at his Bible and realize that, "The finest facility in the heart of downtown Dallas ought to be a worship center dedicated to almighty God" is an extremely minor 'ought' on the list of possible ministry priorities, and we will continue to enjoy this structure. Is there a derelict street-right-of-way right there?

[Lakewooder]

First Baptist was responsible for the destruction of the beautiful YMCA building many years ago, so I wouldn't expect much in the way of stewardship...

[clipper]

This wonderful building is also on the block they are talking about knocking down.

[hamiltonpl]

I'd hate to see First Baptist lose more historical buildings. They already had to tear down a jewel of a building (slaughter chapel) for the new Criswell Center. They should buy the parking lot across the street and build the Tower of Babel over there.

[dfwcre8tive]

This wonderful building is also on the block they are talking about knocking down.

This building is directly behind the old church and along St. Paul so it's probably safe.

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/satellite_campuses.html

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/images/CAMPUS_540.jpg


The Sanctuary

First Baptist Church in 1890First Baptist Dallas boasts a sanctuary that dates back to the nineteenth century. Ground breaking was in 1890, occupation in 1891. Originally described as "massive," the sanctuary was remodeled several times to meet the needs of the congregation. The first enlargement in 1908, added room to the north and east perimeters. This also placed the pulpit on the south (Patterson Street) side. In 1924 the pulpit was returned to the east side while space again increased to accommodate the congregation. At this same time the church added a permanent education building on St. Paul that was attached to the back of the auditorium. This edifice became known as the Truett Building in 1956.

By 1941 the church outgrew the available seating, so a second balcony was added. Many in the congregation favored moving to more spacious grounds in the suburbs, but Dr. Truett often said, "We will build up, rather than out." In 1956 the second balcony was removed, the choir loft was enlarged, and red pew cushions were added for the comfort of the congregation and the delight of our pastor's eye. At present, the auditorium holds about 2,000 people.


___________________

Kadane Plaza

Just south of the sanctuary is the area that used to be Patterson Street. In April 1982 the area was dedicated to faithful deacon Sheffie Kadane who, through his diligence and dedication to his Lord and church, secured legal title for the church to Patterson as well as old San Jacinto Streets. As a city councilman, Mr. Kadane enabled the city to give up their rights to these two short blocks in order to purchase our land for a larger throughway with the new San Jacinto Street.


___________________

Truett Building

Because the 1924 remodeling of the sanctuary resulted in the removal of classroom spaces, an educational building was added on the St. Paul side of the property. A prayer meeting auditorium (now Coleman Hall), complete with baptistery and adjoining kitchen, was on the lower floor. Classrooms, church offices, and library also occupied the area. In the late 1940s, the seven-floor building, complete with air conditioning and elevators was completed. The Truett Building is now used to house preschool and children's Sunday School as well as the Developmental Learning Center during the week.

The spacious and inviting fellowship hall on the lower floor was named to honor "Brother Bob" Coleman, part time music-education director, full time Christian friend and helper to Dr. Truett and young Dr. Criswell. The education building, which contained it, was named in honor of George W. Truett. Originally, portraits in Coleman Hall were of Dr. Truett, Brother Bob Coleman, deacon Frank Ryburn, and church secretary and treasurer Dolph Johnson. Now many beautiful paintings grace its walls.

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/images/building7.jpg


___________________

The Criswell Center

The Criswell Center is an eight story multi-functional facility that is touching every member in our church, as well as our growing Downtown community:

* Main Floor/Atrium/Fellowship Mall
* Legacy/Heritage Center
* 2 New Chapels ... Heritage Chapel & Slaughter Chapel
* Lifeway Bookstore/St. Paul Café
* Multipurpose Facility
* Grace Parlor
* Bride's Room
* Groom's Room
* Multipurpose Educational Space
* Ministry and Staff Offices
* Prayer Tower

The Criswell Center is an incredible venue for civic and cultural events such as concerts and dinners -- plus theatrical and musical productions, and community events.

The Criswell Center enables First Baptist Dallas to continue its uncompromising mission and ministry for generations to come - motivating us as a church family to be intentional, relevant, renewed and committed to being a shining light for our city and surrounding community - and from there to touch the world.

The new Criswell Center has become one of the most important and active spaces we have. Most importantly, it has become the "main entrance" for the church and creates a sense of welcome and expectation upon entry.

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/images/stpaulwc.jpg


___________________

Ruth Ray Hunt Youth Building

Originally the Salvation Army headquarters, a center for youth and their activities became a reality through the generosity of many fine people, principally Mrs. Ruth Hunt. The lobby, Martin Lovvorn Hall, Lee Roy Till Student Center, Judy Jeffress Prayer Room, and all the classrooms are designed with teenagers in mind to reach this age group for Christ through many Christian activities.

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/images/building9.jpg


___________________

Veal Building

Completed in 1953, the Veal Parking-Recreation Building was state of the art providing for the needs of the congregation. Formerly occupied by the Central Christian Church, the property became available through the generous gift of Mrs. Minnie Slaughter Veal. She continued to give until the church had a five-story parking building with two additional floors for a gymnasium, skating rink, and snack area.

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/images/building10.jpg


___________________

Mary C. Building

Through the initial efforts of Mary Crowley and her company, Home Interiors, the Mary C Building became a reality. Spanning Kadane Plaza, the building contains elevators, and throughways to the Veal parking and gym, Lee Roy Till Music Center, recreation center, and children's education space. Mary Crowley's portrait, by Judy Helton, graces the lobby that leads to Coleman Hall and the Truett Building. The Mary C Building was dedicated to God's glory January 1977. An important part of the Mary C Building is the Wicker Gym. Named for faithful deacon D.E. Wicker, Jr., the center was planned to carry out his interests for Christian recreation with two racquetball courts, basketball court, free-weight room, indoor track, and dressing rooms with saunas and a whirlpool.

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/images/building11.jpg


___________________

Christian Education Building (CEB)

Originally planned for housing the Criswell Bible Institute (now Criswell College), parts of the Academy, and some Sunday School departments, the CEB had its groundbreaking in the spring of 1972. In May of 1973, the small auditorium on the ground floor was named Ralph Baker Hall after Deacon Ralph Baker, Sr. Ralph Baker Hall was designed for religious drama, film presentations, and chapel for the Academy and Criswell College, rehearsal hall for the choirs, and an assembly area for high school senior Sunday School. At present the Silent Friends Church uses the area for Sunday worship services.

Truett Memorial Library is located on the first floor and though mentioned in the church minutes as far back as 1898, the church library was not firmly established until 1936 with the first paid librarian and 800 donated books. From a small room on the second floor of the Truett Building, to Coleman Hall, to the lower auditorium, to Burt Building, to Cotton Exchange, to CEB, the church library grew with the congregation. In 1979 Mr. A. Webb Roberts placed a plaque at the library to establish its official name as the George W. Truett Memorial Library. Automated catalog and circulation for 54,000 titles enable staff, membership, and Criswell College and First Baptist Academy students' access to valuable information.

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/images/building12.jpg


___________________


Spurgeon Harris Building

Purchased in 1969, the former Internal Revenue Service Building was dedicated to the first pastor of the congregation, Rev. W. W. Spurgeon Harris. The Downtown Pregnancy Center, parking, First Baptist Academy secondary classes and offices, Communications, and Media use the building on a daily basis. On Sundays it is used for education space.

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/images/building13.jpg


___________________

Burt Building

In 1958 the congregation voted to purchase the Burt Building, an eleven-story 90,000 square foot office building directly across from the auditorium. Well built, the space has been remodeled and reassigned many times for educational purposes. At present First Baptist Academy classes and offices occupy much of the area. It's also used for church activities and Sunday School classes for children.

http://www.firstdallas.org/About/images/building14.jpg

[baneste]

They already had to tear down a jewel of a building (slaughter chapel) for the new Criswell Center.

Couldn't agree more that tearing down the old C.C. Slaugther Chapel was a mistake. FBD has some of the ugliest buildings in DTD on its campus that would have been wonderful candidates for destricution, such as the Youth Building and 505 Ervay across the street. It is a huge, mostly empty, eyesore. If they needed a whole block, they could have taken down the non-descript and worn-out cinder block Spurgeon Harris building and garage. In any event, either block would have been improved by replacement with a new building. Tearing down the old chapel was a step backwards.

[ChrisK79]

As a Dallasite from Wichita Falls, I dread what Dr. Jeffress is proposing for First Dallas. The worship center he wanted in Wichita Falls is little more than a television studio. There is no architectural integrity with the rest of the facilities.

Making the room the best possible environment for television broadcasting took priority over any other concerns for the space.

An example is the organ installation. When a pipe organ is not installed, typically there are speaker chambers for the instrument. It was felt this would not be conducive for the acoustics of a television broadcast. Instead of large speaker chambers, the speakers for the organ are spread out along catwalks in the ceiling - making for a dreadful listening experience.

What Wichita Falls got is a dreadfully plain, bland room - but a great television studio. Now that Dr. Jeffress is gone, there seems to be little need for a television studio at First Baptist in Wichita Falls.

The beautiful sanctuary at the other end of the block sits largely unused.

Wichita Falls heard must the same argument being presented in Dallas. The facilities were old, outdated and too small. I hope he doesn't sell the same snake oil twice.

First Baptist could build a larger, modern facility, but in keeping with its roots and heritage. Its not necessary to build another glass shoebox to serve as Dr. Jeffress latest television studio.

[Lakewooder]

I was raised a Baptist (not First Baptist as we always exclaimed) and the term 'Worship Center' immediately raised the spectre of skepticism.

[mikedsjr]

I was raised a Baptist (not First Baptist as we always exclaimed) and the term 'Worship Center' immediately raised the spectre of skepticism.

Why did it raise skepticism?

[elmstreetdallas]

The same people who use the term "Worship Center" also pronounce Jesus with 3 syllables.

...I'm just sayin'...

[dfwcre8tive]

Criswell College president accuses First Baptist Church of Dallas of wanting to sell school's assets
10:27 PM CDT on Friday, August 1, 2008
By SAM HODGES / The Dallas Morning News
samhodges@dallasnews.com
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/080208dnmetcriswell.3d1f2cd.html

A simmering feud over control of Criswell College has boiled over, with its president and some trustees accusing leaders of First Baptist Church of Dallas of plotting to sell the school's assets to finance a new church sanctuary.

Criswell President Jerry Johnson late this week criticized the Rev. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Dallas, which founded the Dallas Bible school and controls appointment of its trustees. As pastor, Dr. Jeffress is automatically chancellor of Criswell College, which has a small campus on Gaston Avenue and operates a radio station, KCBI-FM (90.0).

"For six months, the chancellor has been trying to cannibalize Criswell College to fund his building program at the church, which will cost $170 to $240 million," Dr. Johnson said in an e-mailed response to questions.

"Furthermore, the chancellor has stated and started a plan to stack the Criswell College board with trustees that will go along with his plan to liquidate college assets, including our campus and KCBI, for the financial benefit of the church."

Dr. Jeffress flatly denied that.

"Neither the deacons nor I have any plan to sell KCBI or the campus of Criswell College, period," he said.

"Given that our church building committee just engaged an architect, I find it strange that Dr. Johnson would claim to know how much our building project, which is still several years away, is going to cost. This, along with the alleged plan to sell college assets, is just another example of Dr. Johnson's overactive imagination."

But Dr. Johnson said in an interview that he met with Dr. Jeffress on Jan. 3 and heard from him that Criswell would be taken over by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, with the assets sold and the proceeds used to help pay for a new First Baptist Dallas sanctuary.

Dr. Jeffress said he discussed the Southwestern option and others, and still thinks that having Criswell come under the seminary may make sense. But he disputed vowing to force such a move and noted that the church ultimately sets the direction for its "entities."

First Baptist Dallas founded Criswell College in 1970 to train lay people and aspiring pastors in conservative theology. The relationship between the church and the school is complicated.

The school is incorporated separately and holds the license to the radio station. But the school bylaws define the "membership of the corporation" as the members of First Baptist Dallas.

The bylaws say at least 12 of the 21 Criswell trustees must be members of First Baptist Dallas, and all the trustees must be approved by the church.

Criswell College has had financial and enrollment challenges, drawing between 300 and 400 students in recent years.

Dr. Jeffress said a study needs to be done of whether there's a niche for Criswell College, given that Southwestern and other Southern Baptist Convention seminaries have undergraduate programs.

But Dr. Johnson and some Criswell trustees assert that the school's prospects have brightened, thanks to major contributions from the W.A. Criswell Foundation and greater revenue from KCBI.

Some trustees say the school should be free to go its own way, retaining all assets. But KCBI is conservatively valued at $20 million and also provides First Baptist Dallas free broadcast time.

The Rev. Steve Washburn, a Criswell College trustee and pastor of First Baptist Church of Pflugerville, brought the dispute out into the open this week, releasing a letter criticizing the First Baptist Dallas leadership. Dr. Johnson then weighed in, saying: "Unfortunately, everything Mr. Washburn says is true, and much more."

Dr. Washburn noted that his church also is building a sanctuary.

"The difference is I'm not turning to the ministries we started, trying to fleece them to support our mother church work," he said.

Dr. Jeffress rejected that characterization.

"Criswell College and KCBI radio are ministries of First Baptist Dallas, to which both are accountable," he said.

[tamtagon]

Whatever happened with this? I guess no buildings have been torn down to make way for a worship center or we've heard about the demo....

[cowboyeagle05]

I think he has been holding back on this one because he got such negative push back related to selling Criswell College and other assets just to build him a new TV studio.

[Beck2KMcK]

Whatever happened with this? I guess no buildings have been torn down to make way for a worship center or we've heard about the demo....
Its a ways from doing any visible activity on site, but its definitely moving forward. It will be impressive (design, not necessarily size). I can't share any more than that at the moment, so save those questions.

[cowboyeagle05]

Its a ways from doing any visible activity on site, but its definitely moving forward. It will be impressive (design, not necessarily size). I can't share any more than that at the moment, so save those questions.


Well thanks for providing some sort of information its better than my speculation and discussions with some of the church members.

[dfwcre8tive]

Is something about to be going in the parking lot at St. Paul between San Jacinto and Wenchell? Today while walking by I noticed a 'Proposed Rezoning' sign about an SUP for a pedestrian skybridge.

[dfwcre8tive]

Looks like the plan is now to build on the lot across St. Paul and connect the new sanctuary with a skybridge to the current parking garage.

http://www.dallascityhall.com/meetings/plan_commission/Z089-173_051409.pdf

[NThomas]

Looks like the plan is now to build on the lot across St. Paul and connect the new sanctuary with a skybridge to the current parking garage.

http://www.dallascityhall.com/meetings/plan_commission/Z089-173_051409.pdf
The first page of that pdf mentions a "Pearl at Elm Park?"

Is this newer then the DTD parks master plan presentation? I've never heard of it before...

[dfwcre8tive]

The first page of that pdf mentions a "Pearl at Elm Park?"

Is this newer then the DTD parks master plan presentation? I've never heard of it before...

There's a green patch next to the big parking garage. Maybe they are referencing that one. Some of those "parks" on the map are just a little green space.

[NThomas]

There's a green patch next to the big parking garage. Maybe they are referencing that one. Some of those "parks" on the map are just a little green space.
Since it included MSG, I was thinking it was referencing a future park.

[F4shionablecHa0s]

Anyone else think it's obscene that these ridiculous churches don't have to pay any tax? I somehow doubt the inventors of the law intended to subsidize glorified TV studios with skybridges. I'd love to see how much revenue is lost every year...

[aygriffith]

Anyone else think it's obscene that these ridiculous churches don't have to pay any tax? I somehow doubt the inventors of the law intended to subsidize glorified TV studios with skybridges. I'd love to see how much revenue is lost every year...

Is First Baptist even on TV?

[xen0blue]

Anyone else think it's obscene that these ridiculous churches don't have to pay any tax? I somehow doubt the inventors of the law intended to subsidize glorified TV studios with skybridges. I'd love to see how much revenue is lost every year...

No, because you shouldn't have to pay to worship your religion. Besides, money from churches and church organizations consist of a major chunk of the charitable money that flows around the world, so they're beneficial to society.

[lakewoodhobo]

No, because you shouldn't have to pay to worship your religion. Besides, money from churches and church organizations consist of a major chunk of the charitable money that flows around the world, so they're beneficial to society.

That's great, as long as the money goes to charity and not political organizations that influence elections. We all know what happened in California with the Mormons and Proposition 8.

[downtownguy25]

That's great, as long as the money goes to charity and not political organizations that influence elections. We all know what happened in California with the Mormons and Proposition 8.

Sure there were plenty of gay charities that donated money for that political cause as well

[lakewoodhobo]

Sure there were plenty of gay charities that donated money for that political cause as well

There is a difference between non-profit groups (on either side) trying to influence an election and a religious leader, pretending to speak for god, influencing an election that affects everyone in your state.

[vman]

I'm not happy about a skybridge, but this church did a good job with the last building they built, and if it removes another empty lot from downtown, I'm all for it.

[F4shionablecHa0s]

No, because you shouldn't have to pay to worship your religion. Besides, money from churches and church organizations consist of a major chunk of the charitable money that flows around the world, so they're beneficial to society.
Actually, my tax money shouldn't be going to provide government services to your church. Who pays the expenses your church causes the city and state? I do.

You're welcome.

[carousel]

Any updates on pending construction - hopefully no existing bldgs r slated for demolition

[JohnMcKee]

No, because you shouldn't have to pay to worship your religion. Besides, money from churches and church organizations consist of a major chunk of the charitable money that flows around the world, so they're beneficial to society.

It also goes to things like this:

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5417/fbdgay1.jpg (http://img150.imageshack.us/i/fbdgay1.jpg/)

Is it any wonder why suicide is the biggest killer among gay teens? I think it is cruel, sick and disgusting that my tax dollars have to support the work of a church that preaches hate against me. Now of course they have the right to preach all the hate they want, this is America after all and I would never suggest they shouldn't have that right, however they should have to pay taxes on their big golden calf just like the rest of property owners and only their non-religious, non-discriminatory charitable acts should be tax-exempt, not their ostentatious displays of wealth.

[msutton]

^ agreed. Seperation of church and state doesnt' mean the church doesn't owe anything to the state -- it means the church should be considered no different in the eyes of the state than the local McDonald's.

[xen0blue]

This thread is starting to snowball into a theophobic tirade, can we please keep it on track?

[JohnMcKee]

This thread is starting to snowball into a theophobic tirade, can we please keep it on track?

Theophobic tirade? I don't see how the discussion of a development that is putting a large burden on already stressed city services yet contributing nothing to the city is theophobic? The financial details and the merits of subsidies given to developers is discussed here all the time, I don't see why this should be given a free pass.

Although if you want to get technical "theophobia" is the fear of God or gods. I don't fear God, Robert Jeffress is not a God, he is a man who teaches something that I believe to be morally, biologically and bibically wrong. and the fact that I am required to financially support a urban development lead by someone like that is wrong.

[ancientshoes]

Theophobic tirade? I don't see how the discussion of a development that is putting a large burden on already stressed city services yet contributing nothing to the city is theophobic? The financial details and the merits of subsidies given to developers is discussed here all the time, I don't see why this should be given a free pass.

Although if you want to get technical "theophobia" is the fear of God or gods. I don't fear God, Robert Jeffress is not a God, he is a man who teaches something that I believe to be morally, biologically and bibically wrong. and the fact that I am required to financially support a urban development lead by someone like that is wrong.

Please drop it.

Aaaaanyway, so does anyone know if the new building is going to be across the street in the parking lot or are they going to demo a new building?

[Dbadger]

^^^
Wow, you might as well have posted a video of yourself rolling your eyes at him.
Although I think this is not the forum to discuss this, John McKee is entitled to his opinion and his post
You are also entitled to your opinion, 'please drop it, aaaaaany way' however is not an opinion.
I'm sorry its not 1953 anymore.

[ancientshoes]

^^^
Wow, you might as well have posted a video of yourself rolling your eyes at him.
Although I think this is not the forum to discuss this, John McKee is entitled to his opinion and his post
You are also entitled to your opinion, 'please drop it, aaaaaany way' however is not an opinion.
I'm sorry its not 1953 anymore.

Damn right I rolled my eyes! Yes he is sure as hell entitled to opinion, but you said it yourself, this is not the forum to discuss this. I am actually interested in where this damn thing is being built because I want to know if a parking lot is going to be filled or not, but all that seems to be talked about right now is politics, which has no place here. Xen0blue and FashionableChaos shouldn't have brought the discussion up to begin with.

[JohnMcKee]

Damn right I rolled my eyes! Yes he is sure as hell entitled to opinion, but you said it yourself, this is not the forum to discuss this. I am actually interested in where this damn thing is being built because I want to know if a parking lot is going to be filled or not, but all that seems to be talked about right now is politics, which has no place here.

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize that subsidies or politics in general weren't a relevant topic when it comes to development. In the future we will be sure to take your advice and not discuss any government subsidies on developments like TIFs or bond packages for things like convention center hotels. That is what you are suggesting, not discussing any financial politics when it comes to major urban development projects? Or is it just churches that get a free pass?

Will it be OK to discuss any variances they ask for to put Crosses up or permits to erect more signs that say hateful things about people or is that off limits too?

[Spjz]

No, because you shouldn't have to pay to worship your religion. Besides, money from churches and church organizations consist of a major chunk of the charitable money that flows around the world, so they're beneficial to society."[Religion]: the cause and solution to all [of society's] problems." :)

[gshelton91]

I understand it will be both... They are putting a big new arena.... i mean sanctuary--- on the lot with all the current buildings south of the old church. They are rehabbing the old church and will create a nice court yard around it... then all the class rooms and stuff in the old buildings will be moved to a new building on that parking lot.

The renderings i have seen look really cool actually.

[NThomas]

"[Religion]: the cause and solution to all [of society's] problems." :)
Amen!

[mjblazin]

When everybody else abandoned downtown, the churches stayed, bringing thousands of people of different backgrounds and income groups here from outside, if only temporarily, every weekend and during the week. I realize it's not the same as the retail ever beloved by this forum, but it served as one anchor for recovery. Downtown would have taken a darker path if the Catholic and Protestant churches were not there.

[Columbus Civil]

Their website has a picture of a cute guy in the About Us section.

[frankchitown]

Their website has a picture of a cute guy in the About Us section.


Aww...he is adorable.

[MarkL2023]

http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2009/10/26/daily20.html


First Baptist Dallas to launch mammoth project
Dallas Business Journal
First Baptist Dallas said Tuesday it is almost ready to reveal plans for what it is calling the largest church building campaign in its history in an attempt to create a downtown campus that will serve as a landmark for and complement to the city's skyline.

More specific plans about what it describes as a “new 21st Century state-of-the-art church campus” will be revealed to the church’s congregation at worship services on Nov. 1.

First Baptist, located at 1707 San Jacinto St., is billing its expansion as a spiritual element that will complement downtown Dallas and the new multimillion-dollar performing arts center as well as the proposed convention center hotel and redevelopment efforts for the Trinity River corridor.

A dollar figure for the First Baptist project has yet to be revealed. Church officials declined comment before the Nov. 1 announcement.

Other notable church building projects currently under way in North Texas include Gateway Church in Southlake, which started in 2008 and has a permitted value of $65 million. That project was the seventh largest started in 2008, according to Dallas Business Journal research.