By Sara QuamLuverne has the bragging rights that it had more new housing last year than Pipestone and Worthington combined, 17 units. Luverne Economic Development Director Jill Wolf said, "It really helps the housing cycle progress. It frees up existing housing that’s more affordable to people in low to moderate incomes so they can become homeowners." She said empty-nesters and people from out of the area have inquired about city lot prices more recently, too. "It could mean that more people are moving here or will be moving here," Wolf said. Much of Luverne’s new construction was local people upgrading from their current homes. Luverne’s Chad McClure, co-owner of McClure Construction Inc., had a busy year with new construction. He worked on four projects in 2004 and said his clients see real estate as a solid investment. "Compared to other things, real estate has appreciated more," he said. "With the low interest rates, people who were thinking about building new six or 10 years from now are deciding to just do it." Matt Larson, owner of Real Estate Retrievers, said Luverne’s real estate market has been busier than in other cities, not just for new homes."I think the hospital project helps," Larson said. "The overall attitude toward the city of Luverne is that it’s proactive in getting new businesses and expanding existing businesses and people get a feeling of confidence that if they build a new home or invest money in a home, that they’ll be able to get that out again."Activity on city-owned lots The city of Luverne sold many of the lots which had new construction in 2004. Here is the breakdown:Veterans Addition — Two (Two are still for sale)Evergreen Addition — One (21 are still for sale)Evergreen II — Eight (21 are still for sale)Sybesma Addition — 10 (22 are still for sale)