Area Growth Slowed In 2007
Growth, according to building permit applications, slowed in both Dassel and Cokato during 2007.
In Dassel, there were a total of 57 building permits in 2007, compared to 97 in 2006.
In Cokato, there were a total of 83 building permits in 2007, compared to 164 in 2006.
Cokato had a valuation of $435,912 in new residential building permits, according to a 2007 report from Cokato City Administrator Don Levens to the city council. Dassel had a valuation of $730,163 in new residential building permits, according to a building permit log at Dassel City Hall.
Dassel had a valuation of $1,506,505 in commercial remodeling and expansion permits, the biggest being the new branch of Farmers State Bank of Darwin along Highway 12. Other Dassel commercial remodeling projects in 2007 included Custom Precision Technology, Dassel Liquor, Wells Fargo Bank, Dassel Elementary School, Thirsty’s Tavern, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Paul’s Auto Works, Crest Health Care, and Dassel Area Historical Society’s Ergot building.
Cokato had 19 commercial industrial remodeling permits, with a total valuation of $717,000.
Dassel had 37 residential remodeling permits, with a total valuation of $291,723. Cokato had 61 residential remodeling permits, for a total valuation of $150,967.
Levens said Cokato’s slower growth is probably the result of the economy and job market overall. Even big cities are showing the same slowdown in growth, he said.
