Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester homebuilders took out 56 permits for new single family houses last month - the most for the month of May in ten years.

The homes were valued at nearly $14-million.

The May total was also the highest for any month since August 2014. The year-to-date total has risen to 160.

Several large commercial projects were also approved during May.

The local Pepsi company took out a $3-million permit for its new warehouse on Commercial Drive SW.

Think Mutual Bank took out a $2.9 million permit for its new outlet on Penny Lane NE.

So far this year, the city’s Building Safety Department has approved 985 permits for new construction with a valuation of $175 million.

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