The building pace is quickening in Austin.

According to April building permit reports, the City of Austin’s engineering department issued 144 permits through April for an estimated construction total of $8.92 million.

A year ago, through the first four months of 2008, the city issued 128 permits for an estimated construction total of $2.78 million.

The city issued 59 building permits in April for an estimated $2.62 million.

April’s monthly totals in the local construction trades industry were bolstered by a $1.5 million permit issued by the city to The Joseph Co. for the Austin YWCA expansion and renovation project.

Twelve more residential addition, alteration or repair permits were issued in April for an estimated $124,008 in construction work.

Thirteen residential roof, eight residential siding and 13 residential window replacement permits were also issued in April.

The city issued 36 residential heating permits in April, plus two residential air conditioning permits.

The number of residential heating and plumbing permits issued thus far in 2009 is ahead of the pace for a year ago, according to the city engineering department report.