Austin Daily Herald

The first quarter of 2003 has yielded a total of 416 building permits for an estimated $5,589,168 in building projects.

Another 149 permits in March were issued for an estimated construction value of $2,218,825.

Four commercial addition, alteration and repair permits were issued in March for $276,500 in estimated value.

Two new commercial building permits for an estimated $780,000 were issued.

Home improvements are picking up. Seventeen permits for residential additions, alterations and repairs were issued in March for an estimated construction value of $54,800.

In addition two new garage permits were issued.

Four new residential permits were issued for an estimated $400,000 value.

The permits are for Larry and Joyce Mueller for a new home at 806 24th Ave. NW, $103,000 estimated value; David Rushton and L.A. Rushton at 1002 24th Ave. NW, $92,000 estimated value ; Jacob Zimmerli and S. Zimmerli, at 1004 24th Ave. NW, $119,000 estimated value; and Habitat for Humanity-Freeborn Mower affiliate at 907 16th Ave. NE, $86,000 estimated value.

Five residential roofing permits were issued for an estimated construction value of $27,000.

Ten residential siding permits were issued for an estimated construction value of $63,068.

Also in March, there were 12 residential window replacement permits issued for $64,073.

Among mechanical contractor permits, there were 33 residential heating and 30 residential plumbing permits issued by the city.

According to the city's department of public works, there have been nine new residential house permits issues thus far in 2003 for an estimated construction value of $1,296,000.

A year ago at this time, there were 10 new housing starts in the city for homes with an estimated construction value of $1,455,000.