New York City construction costs continue to climb

A study released by the New York Building Congress shows that construction costs in Manhattan have risen 5% in each of the last two years, GlobeSt.com reports.

This number is higher than the average construction cost hikes nationwide, which were 2.5% in 2013 and 3% in 2014.

Hospital construction is the most expensive, at $800-$950 per sf. Five-star hotels follow at $700-$800 per sf, and university buildings at $600-$850 per sf.

City construction company representatives are concerned that costs could continue to rise despite the recent plunge in oil prices, because essential trades such as curtain wall and cast-in-place concrete have been reported to be running out of capacity.

President of the New York Building Congress Richard T. Anderson says that the annual 5% increase rate should be a cause for concern to the city, even though a considerable portion of the recent increase in costs is the product of forces beyond the city's control. He called for the industry and government to look for ways to reduce the cost of construction and eliminate regulations and red tape, according to GlobeSt.com.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has unveiled a new medical education building, Roper Hall. Designed by The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) and Flad Architects, the UNC School of Medicine’s new building intends to train new generations of physicians through dynamic and active modes of learning.

Sustainability | May 10, 2024

Perkins&Will’s first ESG report discloses operational performance data across key metrics

Perkins&Will recently released its first ESG report that discloses the firm’s operational performance data across key metrics and assesses its strengths and opportunities.

MFPRO+ News | May 10, 2024

HUD strengthens flood protection rules for new and rebuilt residential buildings

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued more stringent flood protection requirements for new and rebuilt homes that are developed with, or financed with, federal funds. The rule strengthens standards by increasing elevations and flood-proofing requirements of new properties in areas at risk of flooding.

Government Buildings | May 10, 2024

New federal buildings must be all-electric by 2030

A new Biden Administration rule bans the use of fossil fuels in new federal buildings beginning in 2030. The announcement came despite longstanding opposition to the rule by the natural gas industry.

Sustainable Development | May 10, 2024

Nature as the city: Why it’s time for a new framework to guide development

NBBJ leaders Jonathan Ward and Margaret Montgomery explore five inspirational ideas they are actively integrating into projects to ensure more healthy, natural cities.

Mass Timber | May 8, 2024

Portland's Timberview VIII mass timber multifamily development will offer more than 100 affordable units

An eight-story, 72,000-sf mass timber apartment building in Portland, Ore., topped out this winter and will soon offer over 100 affordable units. The structure is the tallest affordable housing mass timber building and the first Type IV-C affordable housing building in the city.

Architects | May 8, 2024

Ivan O’Garro, AIA joins LEO A DALY as a vice president

Integrated design firm LEO A DALY welcomes Ivan O’Garro, AIA, as a vice president and managing principal of its Atlanta studio.

K-12 Schools | May 7, 2024

World's first K-12 school to achieve both LEED for Schools Platinum and WELL Platinum

A new K-12 school in Washington, D.C., is the first school in the world to achieve both LEED for Schools Platinum and WELL Platinum, according to its architect, Perkins Eastman. The John Lewis Elementary School is also the first school in the District of Columbia designed to achieve net-zero energy (NZE).