Lee multifamily permits jump

FORT MYERS — Builders in Lee County pulled 358 multifamily building permits in January, a significant increase from the 20 they pulled in the same month one year ago.

January's multifamily permitting included 240 units in 10 buildings in the Springs of Estero Development at Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and Everblades Parkway and 83 units in 11 buildings in the Health Park Luxury Apartments at Metro Parkway and Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway, according to the Lee County Community Development Department.

Commercial permits also rose significantly in January in Lee County too. Builders pulled commercial permits worth $26 million compared to about $2.9 million in January 2014. Commercial permits included a $17.5 million, three-story senior-living facility at Tamiami Trail and Pelican Colony Boulevard and a $7.5 million Wal-Mart at 11320 Summerlin Square Drive.

Meanwhile, homebuilders pulled permits for 79 single-family homes in Lee County. That's just two more permits than the number they pulled in January 2014.