Editor’s Note: This is part three of a collection of feature stories examining what COVID left behind, and highlighting the ongoing regional economic development that will forge a new path forward. A year ago, two developers were planning hotel projects that could create 317 new or renovated rooms in Mankato. Then COVID-19 hit, and soon both projects were on hold. Now city officials believe at least one will be revived soon. In the first quarter of 2020, the city issued $28 million in commercial and residential building permits. It already has issued $31 million in permits in the first quarter of this year and has more under review.