Housing starts drop; value of new construction increases

While the number of single-family home permits decreased in 2006 compared to 2005, the value of construction (residential, commercial and industrial) increased more than $34 million to just over $100 million in 2006. The increase in construction value came from the commercial sector which included the new Isle of Capri hotel, new downtown office buildings, the new medical/surgery facility at 53rd and 18th Street and The Fountains Senior Living Complex east of Devils Glen at Thunder Ridge Road. To download the year-end building permit report, click here.