Private-sector construction in major North American cities is slowing, according to the latest RLB Crane Index. The number of tower cranes in use declined 10% since the first quarter of 2023.
The index, compiled by consulting firm Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), found that only two of 14 cities—Boston and Toronto—saw increased crane counts. Boston was an outlier on the upside with crane count leaping 122%, from nine to 20. Toronto’s count was up just 1%.
Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., all saw decreases greater than 20%. Los Angeles experienced a sharp drop (38%), partly due to a dip in office projects coming online. Calgary, Honolulu, New York, Phoenix, Portland, and Seattle all held steady in crane counts.
The residential sector, including mixed-use projects, continues to show the most consistent growth, making up 72% of the overall count. RLB expects the number of cranes in use to hold steady for the rest of 2023.
Related Stories
| Feb 19, 2013
Luxury multifamily project under way in Atlanta; 215 residences planned
Hines Multifamily is building @1377, a luxury complex comprising 215 "urban-style residences" in Atlanta's Brookhaven neighborhood.
| Feb 15, 2013
Could the student housing boom lead to a bubble?
Student housing has been one of the bright spots in the multifamily construction sector in recent years. But experts say there should be cause for concern for oversupply in the market.
| Feb 14, 2013
5 radical trends in outpatient facility design
Building Design+Construction combed the healthcare design and construction sector to evaluate the latest developments in outpatient facility designs. Here are five trends to watch.
| Feb 14, 2013
Brasfield & Gorrie breaks ground on New College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta
General contractor Brasfield & Gorrie is scheduled to kick off construction on the new College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta. With an anticipated completion date of fall 2014, the $66.5 million project will continue the revitalization of the city’s tourist district.
| Feb 14, 2013
Firestone projects recognized for roofing excellence
Firestone Building Products has been awarded the 2012 RoofPoint Excellence in Design Award in two categories: Global Leadership and Advancing Sustainable Roofing.
Smart Buildings | Feb 14, 2013
Minneapolis joins energy benchmarking trend for commercial buildings
Minneapolis is the latest major metro to require large commercial buildings to benchmark and disclose their energy and water use.
| Feb 8, 2013
Modest growth predicted for engineering, construction mergers
Small and mid-market deals and construction materials drive activity; U.S. is the most active individual nation.
| Feb 8, 2013
FMI/CURT 2012 Owner Study highlights construction industry challenges
Capital program owners grapple with concerns about project funding, staffing, regulations.
| Feb 6, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: office buildings and medical offices
RSMeans' February 2013 Cost Comparison Report breaks down the average construction costs per square foot for four types of office buildings across 25 metro markets.
| Feb 6, 2013
Arcadia (Calif.) High School opens $20 million performing arts center
A 60-year old wish for the community of Arcadia has finally come true with the opening of Arcadia Unified School District’s new $20 million Performing Arts Center.
