Lee commercial construction sluggish

FORT MYERS — Commercial construction in Lee County remained subdued in April while housing permits nearly doubled compared with April 2012.

Lee County issued commercial permits valued at $1.2 million in April, according to the Lee County Department of Community Development. Although that's more than the $352,000 worth they issued in April 2012, the figure remains relatively depressed.

By contrast, Lee County issued permits for single-family homes totaling nearly $11 million in April. Contractors pulled 66 single-family housing permits in April compared with 39 in April 2012.

Also in April, builders pulled 65 multifamily housing permits compared with just two in April 2012. This includes 32 condo units to be built by Taylor Morrison of Florida and 25 condo units by D.R. Horton Inc.