Lee commercial permits spike

FORT MYERS — A sports venue and a hospital boosted commercial construction permit activity in April in Lee County.

Lee County issued $22 million worth of commercial-construction permits in April, including $19 million for the renovations of the Minnesota Twins spring training baseball complex on Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Renovations include suites, offices, elevators and other stadium improvements, according to the Lee County Community Development Department.

In addition, Lee County issued $151.3 million worth of commercial additions and remodeling in April, including $150 million for the expansion of HealthPark Hospital's Golisano Children's Hospital.

Also in April, Lee County issued 151 multifamily permits, more than double the 65 it issued in April 2013. These include a $4 million, 65-unit apartment building at 15271 Pamplona Run, southwest of McGregor Boulevard and Pine Ridge Road.