Morganton ends July with $3 million worth of construction activity

Morganton construction projects during July totaled nearly $3 million for both commercial and residential projects, according to the monthly permits log.

In the breakdown, the 31 commercial permits showed a total of $424,333 worth of construction activity. The 112 residential permits showed a total of $2,465,031 worth of construction activity.

In the mix, projects range from repairs to an apartment complex after a fire to renovations at a local grocery store. The project with the most costly construction during July was repairing and remodeling at Forest View Apartments. A short in the wiring at the complex caused a fire, which killed the resident who lived there in late March. To make repairs, four building permits were approved for $432,000 worth of construction.

The construction value of residential projects in July far outweighed commercial projects, with individual renovations upward of $200,000. Commercial projects represent stages of ongoing work for various retail operations.

Notable projects:

• Food Lion at Fiddler’s Run is in the process of some minor renovations. In the July construction permits, $101,000 is listed for a minor electrical remodel for light outlets. Another $25,000 was approved for electrical work to replace the point of sales equipment and self-checkout corral. Another $18,300 for mechanical installation of a welded duct for a rack oven with a type 2 hood and rooftop fan.
• Riverbend Apartments are under construction, which will bring more affordable housing to Morganton on Independence Boulevard. Two building permits were approved to continue construction on 12 units in one of the apartment buildings.
• UNC Health Care Blue Ridge received a plumbing permit to install a medical air compressor, which will cost $55,000.
• The Ivory Mill, formerly known as The Venue at Carbon City, is undergoing renovations as part of a rebrand after five years of business in Morganton. The business received a permit for $3,000 of new electrical work.