Commercial & Multifamily Construction Starts in 2018 Showed Mixed Performance Across Top Metropolitan Areas

New York City (Feb. 12, 2019)—The leading United States metropolitan areas for commercial and multifamily construction starts registered a varied performance during 2018 compared to the previous year, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. 

Of the top 10 markets, ranked by the dollar amount of construction starts, four reported greater activity in 2018, while six showed declines. For the metropolitan areas ranked 11 through 20, seven reported gains, while three reported declines. At the national level, the volume of commercial and multifamily construction starts in 2018 was $212.4 billion, up 4 percent, which represented a moderate rebound after a 3-percent setback in 2017.

The commercial and multifamily total is comprised of office buildings, stores, hotels, warehouses, commercial garages, and multifamily housing. A visual of the report findings is below. Not included in this ranking are institutional building projects (e.g., educational facilities, hospitals, convention centers, casinos, transportation terminals). For the full report, visit construction.com.