The total number of Dubuque construction projects dipped in the first six months of the year, although overall construction value is higher than in years past.

The city of Dubuque issued a total of 803 building permits in the first six months of 2024, down from the 846 permits issued in the same time period last year. Total construction value for those permits was around $81.7 million, however, a 19.4% increase from last year.

Mike Belmont, city of Dubuque assistant housing director, attributed the decline in the number of permits to the unseasonably warm fall the tri-state area saw last year that likely allowed contractors to start projects that otherwise would have begun this spring.

“We saw a little bit of cooling in the spring, but it’s not something we’re too concerned about,” Belmont said. “… We’re still feeling pretty good, and some of the other projects we’ve been talking about seem to be moving forward.”

The majority of the building permits issued this year have been for residential remodels or smaller commercial renovations. The permits with the highest construction values were issued to large-scale commercial projects.

The permit with the highest value filed in the first six months of the year was a $29.4 million permit for the foundation of the new Key Hotel being built adjacent to Q Casino + Resort. Once completed, the $47 million hotel will have 90 guest rooms and a rooftop restaurant.

The hotel will be part of Hilton Hotels’ Tapestry Collection, a group of independent hotels that mirror the communities in which they operate. Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project this spring, and the new hotel is expected to open in the fall of 2025.

Construction of the hotel is one of several phases wrapped into Q Casino + Resort’s planned $83 million renovation and expansion plan, said CEO Alex Dixon. Other improvements include interior and exterior casino renovations, as well as updated branding.

“We’ve talked a lot about moving from a casino to a casino and resort, and the addition of a boutique hotel is really what I’d say kind of signifies that,” Dixon said. “It’s something new and different … and we’re very excited to have the permit pulled to get started.”

The second-largest permit went to Cottingham & Butler for the construction of a new child care center at the intersection of Locust and Eighth streets.

The project has an estimated $8.9 million construction value, per permit filings, and is expected to add 182 local child care slots when it opens next summer. Cottingham & Butler employees will receive priority enrollment.

Greater Dubuque Development Corp. CEO Rick Dickinson said the project is one of several underway across the tri-state area aimed at increasing the availability and affordability of child care — a key goal for local leaders across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

“The Cottingham & Butler project is definitely one of the larger (child care) projects in the area, and I’m sure that it will be an impressive facility when it’s completed,” Dickinson said.

Other large permits filed with the city so far this year include an $8 million permit for the renovation of the four-story residential building at 799 Main St. issued to Miller Development Group and a $5 million permit issued for the construction of a new Kwik Trip gas station on Kerper Court.

Portzen Construction also received a permit to construct a $2.5 million, two-story commercial building at 6600 Boulder Brook Court. The building should be completed next spring with space for up to six commercial tenants.

Belmont said he expects the city will issue permits to a mix of residential and commercial projects throughout the remainder of this year, adding that the numbers will be bolstered by projects of various sizes and scopes.

“I would say this year that we’re seeing fewer really large projects and more medium-sized projects,” Belmont said. “We have some new hangars going in at the airport, some strip malls, things like that.”

A complete list of building permits issued by the city this year can be found online at tinyurl.com/DBQpermits. Listings are updated monthly.