'95 CITY BUILDING TOPS $44 MILLION

The value of new construction in Cape Girardeau last year topped $40 million for only the second time in history.

Two of the construction industry's main sectors here showed increases as permits were issued for more than $44.4 million, 14 percent above 1994 totals of $38.9 million. The 1995 total was only 8.4 percent below the record year of 1992, when two giant construction projects boosted the overall total to $47.9 million.

Construction of commercial buildings increased dramatically from 1994 to 1995. Permits compiled by Brenda Schloss, Division of Inspection Services, show that permits were issued for 48 new commercial structures valued at $21.5 million, up from the 42 buildings in 1994 that were valued at $13.2.

Additions and expansions to commercial building were also up, from $5.4 million in 1994 to $7 million in 1995.

Nonresidential construction helped make up a lackluster residential building year in Cape Girardeau. Permits were issued for only 57 new homes compared to more than 100 the previous year.

"Residential construction wasn't really down that much," said Rick Murray, inspection services director. "But it was a trade from mostly one-family residences to multifamily dwellings."

A year ago, permits were issued for a total of 164 family living units (105 single-family homes and 59 apartment units). In 1995, permits were for a total of 179 family units (57 single-family houses and 122 apartment) units.

Dollar figures, however, were much different. The 105 single-family homes in 1994 were valued at $14.3 million (an average of $135,000) and apartment construction was at $3.1 million for a total of $17.4 million. Last year's dollar totals were $8.1 million for the 57 homes (an average of $141,000) and $5 million for multifamily units, for a total of $13.1 million.

Still, 1995 construction contracts in Cape Girardeau go down as the second biggest ever.

"It was a good year," said Murray. "We issued a total of 589 permits. I actually consider this a bigger year than the record year of 1992. The number of commercial projects -- new and expanded -- are the most ever. In 1992, two projects accounted for more than $14 million."

The largest projects announced for 1995 were the $4.5 million Lutheran Home Sarconi Manor project and $4.1 million St. Francis Medical Center parking garage, with a half-dozen other projects near or over the million-dollar mark.

Commercial projects accounted for almost two-thirds of the 1995 total, at $29.3 million -- $21.5 in new construction and $7.8 million in additions and expansions.

The 1995 construction scene in Cape Girardeau got off to a slow start in January, with only 24 permits issued for just over a half-million dollars.

"Things started picking up in February and boomed throughout the remainder of the year," said Murray. February permits increased to more than 70 permits, valued at more than $3 million. The boon continued in March, with 54 permits valued at $10.2 million.

An increase also has been noted in expansions and remodeling of homes, said Murray. More than 140 permits were issued for decks, carports, garages, expansions, swimming pools and remodeling last year. Less than 100 permits were issued for the same improvements in 1994.

The $44.4 million total does not include two projects -- a $2.2 million building project at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and a $15 million, 100,000-square-foot business building under construction on the Southeast Missouri State University campus. Nor does it include construction of a new Mississippi River bridge and cross-city highway.

Cape Girardeau's construction binge is in line with activity statewide. Year-end totals are not yet available, but total construction activity in Missouri was up 14 percent during the first 11 months, according to the F.W. Dodge Division of McGraw-Hill, an authority on the construction market.

Dodge reports total construction through November was at $5.99 billion, compared to $5.2 billion a year ago. Nonresidential construction through November was $2.6 billion, up 45 percent from the $1.8 billion for the first 11 months of 1994; residential construction was reported at $2.2 billion, down 12 percent from the $2.5 billion of 1994; and nonbuilding was reported at $1.2 billion, 23 percent more than the $953 million of 1994.

Following is a look at building activity in Cape Girardeau through the 1990s.

1995-- 57 new homes, $8,058,976 (average, $141,000); 37 apartment structures, 122 units, $4,975,500; 48 commercial buildings, $21,546,417; additions to residences and commercial buildings, and signs, $9.7 million. Total: $44,367,286.

1994 -- 105 new homes, $14,303,002 (average, $135,000); 19 apartment structures, 59 units, $3,153,000; 42 commercial buildings, $13,155,923; additions to residences and commercial buildings, and signs, $8.2 million. Total: $38,989,446.

1993 -- 103 new houses at a cost of $11,603,800 (average $112,658); duplexes and apartment buildings (17 units), $2,116,000; commercial buildings, $9,647,461; public buildings, $5,639,871; additions to residences and business buildings, and signs, $4.2 million. Total: $33,169,258.

1992 -- (record year): 89 new houses at a cost of $10,600,000 (average $120,000); nine apartment or duplex units, $879,000; additions to residences and business buildings, $7,300,000; commercial buildings, $29,217,699. Total: $47,996,699.

1991 -- 70 new houses at a cost of $8,080,000 (average $112,000); Two apartment units, $65,000; additions to residences and business buildings, $3,453,474; 110 commercial buildings, $20,221,179. Total: $31,704,468.

1990 -- 82 new houses at a cost of $6,176,051 (average $75,300); 84 apartment units, $1,663,000; additions to residences, $345,131; 62 commercial buildings, 12,673,737; additions to commercial buildings, $3,523,291; public buildings, $1,091,000. Totals: $25,626,901.

Total new construction in the 1990s, $221.7 million.