Morganton construction values top $3.7 million in April

Morganton approved 123 permits in April with a combined listed construction value of about $3.71 million, led by a new home on Riverwoods Drive, mechanical work at Case Farms, and a series of commercial and residential improvements throughout downtown and the greater city.

The April total was down from March’s roughly $6.96 million in listed value, but the number of approved permits increased from 117 to 123. Through the first four months of 2026, Morganton has approved 410 permits with about $22.3 million in listed construction value, based on the city’s January through April permit reports.

The largest April building permit was approved for a $775,000 new single-family residence on Riverwoods Drive. The next largest listed project was a $619,791 mechanical permit for extensive factory HVAC and ventilation work at Case Farms’ new breast packaging facility on Rand Street.

The city also approved $400,000 worth of electrical and mechanical work for Morganton Savings Bank’s future location at 300 N. Green St.

Other notable April permits included a $157,300 for reroofing at Carolina Smoke Barbeque Grill and $90,900 worth of plumbing work for the new Chicken Salad Chick and Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Burkemont Avenue.

April’s permit activity was spread across everyday repair and renovation work as well as larger projects. Mechanical permits were the most common category, with 42 approved permits totaling about $1.17 million. Electrical permits followed with 37 permits totaling about $652,000. Plumbing permits accounted for 25 permits and about $329,000, while building permits accounted for 18 permits and about $1.56 million.

Much of the month’s residential activity involved decks, sheds, porches, HVAC replacements, plumbing remodels, service upgrades and generator work. Residential permits included work on Branch Street, Starmount Circle, Mollholland Boulevard, Birchwood Drive, Newland Street, Woodlawn Drive, Rockyford Street, Northwood Drive, Amherst Road, and several other neighborhoods.

Downtown and commercial work continued as well. Work at the future location of the Merrill Mischief General Store, at 116 W. Union St., received electrical and plumbing permits for lighting, counter receptacles, and sink work. Morganton Sewing’s old building, at 128 N. Sterling St., received an electrical permit tied to lighting and bathroom work. Burke Arts Council, at 506 S. Sterling St., received an electrical permit for $60,000 worth of installation of power and lighting in the basement.

The report also included one demolition permit for demolition of a maintenance shed at Catawba Meadows Park. The listed construction value was zero.

As always, permit values are best read as rough indicators of construction activity, not final project costs. Several permits list zero or unusually low values, while some routine-sounding work carries high listed estimates. Still, the reports offer a useful monthly snapshot of where investment, repair and construction are happening in Morganton.

— ML