Becky Beissel

July was a milestone month for the Village of Ellsworth, with building permits totaling $9,057,630, according to All-Croix Inspections. Outside of large-scale school or public projects, the village has rarely, if ever, seen numbers this high. Last year’s $12 million Gerrard apartment project set a record for permit value. This year, July’s strong numbers put us on pace to reach roughly $12 million again in 2025, marking two consecutive years of record-setting building activity.

While building permit values are based on estimated project costs, not the final assessed value of a property, they still provide a reliable snapshot of local development trends and reflect the strong economic momentum we’re seeing in Ellsworth.

On the residential side, July saw permits issued for six new single-family homes valued at just under $1.8 million. And that is only part of the story. The C&E Wurzer apartment project at the old junior high site added another $5.27 million in value. Combined, these projects bring July’s residential total to more than $7 million in housing investment. This is a tremendous boost to Ellsworth’s housing stock and a clear sign that our community is growing as a place people want to call home.

July also included one additional new commercial building: Loberg Law Office, valued at just under $2 million. This project reflects continued confidence in Ellsworth’s business climate and economic potential.

There was also steady reinvestment in existing properties. Residential additions and renovations, along with commercial remodels, represented more than $63,000 in improvements. While these smaller projects may not make headlines, they are an important sign of pride in our community and a commitment to keeping Ellsworth’s homes and businesses in good condition.

This kind of growth does more than change our community landscape. It strengthens our tax base, which helps ease the burden on individual property owners and brings in new revenue to support essential services, infrastructure, and future improvements.

And the momentum isn’t slowing. The village continues to receive interest in additional residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Our focus remains on smart, well-planned growth that meets community needs, strengthens our local economy, and preserves the character of Ellsworth.

These numbers tell a story that goes beyond construction permits. They reflect momentum built through strategic investment and a community that believes in its future.