Ankeny recorded $142 million in commercial construction in 2018, setting a record and accounting for 31 new buildings, according to a release. Overall, 2,339 permits for commercial and residential construction exceeded $322 million, marking the third-highest valuation and fifth consecutive year with at least $300 million in construction activity. Residential valuation topped out at $173 million, with 407 single-family houses, 184 townhomes and 306 apartment units. The city gained 116 acres through voluntary annexations and platted 980 lots. Commercial projects included the PDI expansion, B&B Theater and B-Roll Bowling, Aldi’s, UnityPoint Laboratory and Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library.