Minneapolis leads state in new housing units

Minneapolis appears to have bounced back from construction doldrums caused by the recession. The city issued 12,100 building permits in 2013, with a record value of $1.21 billion.

Housing projects accounted for much of that value. Minneapolis issued permits for more than 3,500 housing units in 2013, most of which were apartment buildings. That's up from just 361 permitted housing units in 2008.

Thomas Streitz, director of housing policy and development for the city, said it's the fifth year in a row that Minneapolis has led the state in permitting the construction of new housing units. He said the city appears to be well-poised to continue its recent growth.

"If you look at what's being built and the demographics of who is moving in, it really tells the story of the return to what I call urban America," Streitz said. "People young and old are choosing to live in urban settings and Minneapolis is just in a prime position to capitalize on that national trend."

Streitz said many of the new housing developments are focused downtown, near the river, as well as the North Loop and Uptown.

The Pillsbury A-Mill apartment complex alone will include more than 250 units of housing and is valued at $68.1 million. Other notable housing projects include a luxury high rise, The Nic on Fifth, and Stonebridge Condominium at 1120 2nd Street South.