B.R. building permits increased 3% in May

The number of construction projects permitted in East Baton Rouge Parish in May rose by 3.24% compared to the same month last year, the city-parish Department of Public Works reports. A total of 2,041 permits were issued in May, up from 1,977 in May 2011. However, total commercial projects permitted were down on the month: 57 this year, compared to 91 in May 2011. Total residential projects were also down to 127, from 160 a year earlier. The largest commercial project permitted during May was The Elysian, a multifamily, affordable housing project that broke ground last month at 1120 Spanish Town Road. It’s valued at just under $9.5 million. The next-largest project permitted was a $3.8 million All Star Chevrolet North dealership at 9444 Plank Road. Though more projects received permits in May, total valuation of the projects fell by 30%, down to $57.8 million from $82.5 million in May 2011. Year-to-date, permits are up roughly 2% in the city-parish—at 9,264 this year, compared to 9,084 through May last year. Valuation is up almost 18% in 2012 so far—at $269.4 million, up from $228.7 million in 2011.