All it took was one building permit issued in January for the city to achieve 56 percent of the valuation for all the permits listed in 2002.

That permit was for the construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter at 1550 H. Blake Ave. The total valuation for this building permit is $7,112,000, according to the January report from the city of Albert Lea Inspection Department. The total value of all city-issued building permits in 2002 was $12,636,554.

This permit confirms that Super Wal-Mart #1020 will be located to the north of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and County Road 46 and near Exit 12 just off I-35.

The city’s report lists the Crane Construction Co. of Savanna, Mo., as the prime contractor for the Wal-Mart project.

A total of 19 building permits with a valuation of $8,866,160 were issued by the city during January. At the end of January 2002, just a year ago, a total valuation of $131,975 was listed on the city’s report.

Three other significant building permits were also issued during January.

One permit with a valuation of $755,000 was issued for the construction of the Green Mill Restaurant at 2218 E. Main St. The location for this new eating establishment, which serves food ranging from gourmet pizza to sandwiches and steaks, will be between Ole’s Eastside Shell and the Country Inn and Suites.

Ventura Foods, 919 E. 14th St., was issued a permit with a valuation of $262,000 for the construction of what the report listed as a &uot;64 foot by 45 foot oil tank storage room addition.&uot;

A building permit with a valuation of $201,000 was issued to the State Bank of Clarks Grove for the construction of a branch facility at 2401 N. Bridge Ave., at the spot formerly occupied by Northbridge Liquor.

The Freeborn County Planning and Zoning Office issued three building permits with a valuation of $36,000 during January.