Home starts fuel Waterloo, Cedar Falls construction activity

WATERLOO | Residential construction was a bright spot in a relatively gloomy start to the construction year in Waterloo, while Cedar Falls saw a similar spike in residential activity for the beginning of the fiscal year.

Building reports for the first quarter of the fiscal year July, August and September show Waterloo nearly doubled its output of housing starts from the first quarter of 2013.

But a lack of large commercial and retail projects left the overall value of new and remodeling construction at just $18.8 million, behind the $21 million pace set during the same period last year.

"We are seeing good numbers of new housing permits in many sectors of the community, and many housing types," said Community Planning and Development Director Noel Anderson. "There is also a good amount of housing on the horizon."

The overall value of new and remodeling construction for the quarter in Cedar Falls is healthier in comparison at $28.8 million, up from $21.3 million at the same time last year.

"We had a good, strong first quarter, theres no question about that," Cedar Falls Building Inspector Craig Witry said.

Waterloo Building Inspections wrote permits for 29 new single-family homes through the first quarter, which outpaced the 14 houses and a duplex underway at the same time last year.

Housing projects in Waterloo include six town homes former Mayor John Rooff is building in a city parking lot at East Third and Lafayette streets, near Queen of Peace Church; six homes on Red Tail Drive in Audubon Park's sixth addition; six homes in Crossroads Estates, south of the Crossroads Hy-Vee store; and three in Summerland Park off Dysart Road.

With lots in those existing developments filling up, Anderson noted the city is seeing new subdivisions being created.

In Cedar Falls, Building Inspections issued 34 new single-family home permits from July to September, a slight uptick from the 29 single-family residential permits issued last year. Commercial growth is slower, with only three commercial permits issued this for the quarter.

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Home starts fuel Waterloo, Cedar Falls construction activity