Dwelling Units Construction for February

Western light construction continued its upward trend in February with a strong $54 million lead in dwelling-unit building permits over the corresponding month in 1958. Total dwellingunit permits are also up over 1958, although a slight drop was noted from January 1959. Survey totals show total permits up from ,10,915 in February 1958, to 46,248, and valuation from $289,l22,UZ to $374,098,187; dwelling permits up from 14,906 to 19,301, and valuation up from $144,943,585 to $199,567,643.

The dollar volume upward trend was general with the exception of Colorado, Montana, Alaska and the new state Hawaii, although Hawaiian dwelling construction is up over 1958.

Total building totals were particularly strong in New Mexico, which tripled its 1958 February report. California continues as the major western market with a $260 million total volume (70% ot the western market) for the month and a $138 million dwellingunit total. The Golden State's building ,boom showed a 38/o inc'rease in over-all totals, leaving no doubt of a strong recovery from the softened 1958 market. Dwelling construction was even stronger, with a 42/o gain over February 1958.

The 25 Leading Construction Jurisdictions of the West-FebruarY, 1959

Los Angeles

Los Angeles County*

San Diego

San Francicco

San Diego County* Maricopa County, Ariz.*

County*

Wash.*

County, Ariz.*

View, Calif. San Bernardino County*

B, C.

*Unincorporated only; does

ORiole 3-35OO