A new Walgreens drug store leads a number of new commercial andresidential projects under way in the city, said BrookhavenBuilding Inspector Steve Moreton.

“That’s one of the biggest projects,” Moreton said about the$1.3 million store being built at the Brookway Boulevard andHighway 51 intersection.

Moreton did not have a scheduled opening date for the store. Thestore will have entrances from the eastbound lane of BrookwayBoulevard and on West Chickasaw Street.

Moreton said construction crews are working on the foundationand parking area for the 14,820 square feet building.

“They’re building retaining walls and footings for thebuilding,” Moreton said.

Retaining wall activity is also under way at the new Castlessite on Brookway Boulevard. Moreton said some preliminary work isbeing done, but a building permit for the estimated$200,000-$250,000 project has not been issued.

Moreton also commented on a new office complex being built onSouth Railroad Avenue.

“They’re starting to take shape,” Moreton said.

One of the $180,000 buildings, being developed by John Lynch,will be used by attorney Clint Gardner for his law office and therest for storage, Moreton said. The other building will feature anupstairs apartment and office space on the first floor.

On Highway 51, Moreton said the new R&B Tile building isnearing completion. Site work for a new dentist’s office for Dr.Shannon Patterson has begun near the Highway 51 and Natchez Avenueintersection.

Moreton said an estimated $250,000 loading dock expansion isplanned for the Wal-Mart Distribution Center. He expected theproject to get started in several weeks.

In residential activity, Moreton said three houses are underconstruction on Lark’s Spur west of Urban Lane. The residentialdevelopment, being handled by Home Options, LLC, is slated to haveabout 50 lots, he said.

Moreton added that three houses are in the works for FisherPark. That development is located off Halbert Heights Road.

Foundation work for buildings, whether commercial orresidential, seems to be the focus now, Moreton said.

“Everybody’s trying to get the slab done as soon as possible sothey have something to work on and get out of the mud,” saidMoreton, mentioning a pattern of rain about every four or fivedays. “Just about the time it dries out, it rains again.”