Orange building permits show continued growth

The city of Orange is starting the new year with a continuation of new construction and remodeling. Building permits issued during the first month included an $8.6 million new building for a medical center plus the city spending $285,000 for the HVAC system in the new recreation center under construction at 1405 Orange Avenue, the site of the former natatorium.

The construction for the Gisela Houseman Medical Campus is ongoing in the Eagle Point development area at the southeast area by the intersection of Interstate 10 and Texas Highway 62. Houseman donated land and the City of Orange Economic Development Corporation has helped with incentives, including laying water and sewer lines to the area.

The city is paying for construction of the $2.9 million new recreation center and has announced it should be open in the summer. The city has advertised to hire a recreation director.

The company SHC LLC received a permit for $125,000 in remodeling for a motel at 4402 27th Street off Interstate 10 West.

Businessman Ron D. McAnelly received a permit for an interior build-out valued at $81,000 for Triangle Rescue, 3875 Interstate 10. That is another business that has continued to expand after the cities EDC helped it start with an earlier grant.

Other commercial permits include $20,000 for remodeling at 603 16th Street, a former lube shop between Green Avenue and Park Avenue. The company is 7th Street Grocery, which is based in the Golden Triangle and has tobacco stores in other cities.

Starlight Church of God, 2800 Bob Hall Road, received a permit for a $94,000 re-roofing project. And a permit for a $40,000 cell tower upgrade at 2910 Enner Road was issued.

After recent major hurricanes and tropical storms have led to power outages, people in Orange have been installing generators at their homes. The city in January gave 13 permits for electrical hook-ups to generators and 11 permits for gas hook-ups to generators.

Solar power continues to grow and every month more people are using the clean energy. Four residents received permits in January to install solar systems to their electrical systems.

New houses are being built at 2205 Sixth Street, 1410 S. Hart Avenue, 1902 11th Street, 1602 Second Street, and 745 Old Timers Road. More new houses are being occupied as electrical service was added to new homes at 3302 Rolling Ridge Drive, 2720 Allie Payne Road, 2740 Allie Payne Road, 2202 Westway, and 1410 S. Hart Avenue.

Orange has also worked at removing dilapidated buildings that have become eyesores. Demolition permits were issued for 208 College, 2308 Oak Lane, 1410 Hart, 802 Bilbo, and 333 Echo Loop.