While the heat index soared into the 100s in north Alabama during the final week of July, new construction cooled down a bit it in the Huntsville area.

Only 88 permits were issued in Madison, Morgan and Limestone counties during the week totaling more than $21.7 million, making it the slowest week of the summer for new construction, according to Southern Exposure Information.

The week only included two commercial projects that exceeded $1 million. The most expensive project was a $2.7 million alteration at the Dynetics complex at 1004 Explorer Blvd. in northwest Huntsville. David E. Harvey Builders is the contractor for the work.

The other project was a $2.4 million alteration at 2 Crown Circle in southwest Huntsville in the Magnolia Trace retirement community.

Davidson Homes was the top homebuilder during the week.

It was issued 11 permits totaling almost $2.5 million for homes ranging from $195,000 to $321,000 on Rockaway Drive in the Meadows subdivision in Huntsville, Harvest Ridge Drive in the Meadows subdivision in Athens, Lea Lane and Henry Road in the Hollon Meadow subdivision in Decatur and Hazel Pine Trail and River Pointe in Hazel Green.