By Sara StrongBuilding and renovation projects in Luverne exceeded $9.24 million in 2003.Luverne’s Building Official and Zoning Administrator Dan Delgehausen said 2003 was the biggest recent year for the city in that department. In 2002, the valuation was $4.6 million; and in 2001 was $5.28 million.The value of projects is calculated by the work that’s done on the buildings as Delgehausen inspects them.Delgehausen said, "There were several big-money projects and a lot of housing work. … Only $1 million of the hospital is done."The future hospital and clinic will bring even bigger valuations in 2004.Other large building and renovation projects in 2003 were the courthouse heating and cooling system, a wing of the school’s heating and cooling system, the armory remodel, work on the new assisted living facility and a more-than-usual number of new housing units.Luverne Economic Development Director Dan Statema said the extra investment helps the city economically."It shows that people are putting money into their properties, and it increases the tax base," he said. "Our goal is to have a diversified tax base, with taxable industries and homes."Delgehausen issued 362 permits and completed 1,796 inspections, which is about average. His office also brought $70,000 in to the city in fees in 2003.
