Building permits reflective of Worthington's growth activity

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — According to the annual building permit report, the city is experiencing yet another year of growth — especially in the area of commercial and industrial renovations.

“A building permit is issued for any work that can impact the structural stability of the building,” said Brad Chapulis, the city’s director of community/economic development.

The overall valuation of construction work completed in 2011 was $13,165,143, which represents a decrease of about $7.4 million from 2010. The 30-unit New Castle Townhomes constructed for $3.2 million in 2010 largely contributed to the difference of billing valuations between the last two years.

Despite the lower total valuation, nine building permits were issued in 2011 for single-family ownership units totaling up to $1.17 million. Five of the nine units were multi-family buildings, but Chapulis explained that the units were owner-occupied.

In comparison, three single-family ownership units were constructed in 2010 for a total of $465,562.

“We’d rather be experiencing growth than to have nothing occurring,” Chapulis said.

In terms of new commercial projects, Chapulis noted that two projects did not proceed as expected.

“We had a local employer who did not proceed with an expansion but is still slated to do that, and the other is Avera,” he said, explaining that Avera Group needed to obtain approvals from state agencies prior to constructing its new facility on the plot of land next to Holiday Inn Express on Ryan’s Road.

“The building permits will be issued in 2012,” he added.

Commercial and industrial renovations, however, tripled in 2011 to $3.78 million.

Another area of growth for the city was the increase public projects. The eight permits issued accounted for a total of $3.5 million.

“That is reflective of the fire hall and the Biotechnology Advancement Center,” Chapulis added.

He anticipates the steady trend of remodeling work on existing residential homes to continue this year.

“Maybe a handful of new homes will be started but at this point in time we’re not anticipating new multi family construction,” he said.

Readers may reach Daily Globe reporter Ana Anthony at 376-7321.

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