Many things—from a cup of coffee to tickets to a ballgame to a month’s rent—are expensive in New York City and San Francisco.
Add construction costs to the list. A report from the CBRE's Valuation & Advisory Services found that new office space core and shell construction costs are highest in the two coastal cities.
In New York, new office construction costs between $500 and $550 per sf, as of Q3 2015, the highest amount of the cities studied. San Francisco was second, with costs between $350 and $400 per sf.
Boston ($280 to $320 per sf), Seattle ($250-$300), Chicago ($240-$290), and Houston ($220-$270) finished the list.
“These numbers are for prices associated with the direct hard construction costs, and the ranges do not include acquisition costs or indirect soft costs,” said Robert Barone, of CBRE’s Valuation & Advisory Services, in a statement. “Indirect soft costs, which include costs for things such as architect/engineering fees, legal, administration, marketing, financing, FF&E and tenant improvements, can represent an additional 30% to 40% of the direct hard costs ranges.”
In addition, New York ($70.54 per sf, per annum, as of Q3) and San Francisco ($67.33) had the highest asking rents for offices, too.
Related Stories
Contractors | May 1, 2015
Nonresidential fixed investments fall in latest Construction Economic Update
This is the first time that nonresidential fixed investment declined since the first quarter of 2011, ABC reported. Nonresidential fixed investment had been rising by more than 4% on an annualized basis during five of the previous six quarters.
Contractors | Apr 29, 2015
Construction costs are expected to remain soft through fall of 2015
Labor and materials haven’t appreciated this year through April, according to market analyst IHS.
Contractors | Apr 23, 2015
Leopardo releases 2015 Construction Economics Outlook
Low oil prices have reduced the cost of construction, but not enough to offset the rise in labor costs, according to Leopardo's new outlook report.
High-rise Construction | Apr 23, 2015
Size matters in NYC, where several projects vie for the city’s tallest building honor
The latest renderings of 217 West 57th Street show a tower that would rise higher than the World Trade Center’s pinnacle, when elevations are included.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2015
Condo developers covet churches for conversions
Former churches, many of which are sitting on prime urban real estate, are being converted into libraries, restaurants, and with greater frequency condominiums.
Green | Apr 22, 2015
AIA Committee on the Environment recognizes Top 10 Green Projects
Seattle's Bullitt Center and the University Center at The New School are among AIA's top 10 green buildings for 2015.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 21, 2015
Software tools shouldn't dictate the AEC process
With over 200 solutions on the market, construction software is one of the most complex and fragmented markets, writes Gensler's Mark Thole.
Contractors | Apr 20, 2015
Too many construction projects don’t meet owners’ expectations: KPMG report
Causes for delays, overruns, and underperformance include project management talent shortages, distrust between owners and contractors, and the lack of fully integrated project management systems.
High-rise Construction | Apr 17, 2015
Construction begins on Goettsch Partners-designed Nanning China Resources Center Tower
The tower's design is derived from its multiple uses, which include 170,000 sm of Class A office space, 5,000 sm of boutique retail, and a 45,000-sm luxury Shangri-La hotel.
High-rise Construction | Apr 16, 2015
Construction begins on Seattle's Tibet-inspired Potala Tower
Construction on the 41-story Potala Tower in Seattle finally kicked off following a ground-breaking ceremony seven months ago.