From Tenements to Towers: A Historical Journey of NYC Construction
Construction and building data can offer valuable insights into the development of a city. The patterns and trends in construction activities can reflect the growth, economic vitality, and urban planning strategies of a city. By analyzing the building data, we can gain information about the scale of development, the types of structures being built, the distribution of buildings, and the overall transformation of the urban landscape over time.
The Primary Land Use Tax Output (PLUTO) dataset serves as a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to buildings situated on tax lots across New York City. A key feature of this dataset is the construction years for buildings on tax lots in New York City.1
Count of NYC Builds Throughout Time
Construction in New York City experienced concentrated growth during specific decades. According to PLUTO data, around 60% of the buildings in NYC were constructed before 1940, highlighting the city's historical architectural landscape.
Below, I will delve into significant trends uncovered by this data, shedding light on the construction history of New York City over the decades. Specifically, my focus will be on identifying the periods marked by notable construction booms, to provide an understanding of how the city's urban landscape has evolved over time.
Gilded Age
Firstly, there was a construction boom during the Gilded Age, characterized by remarkable economic growth driven by industrialization, railroad expansion, and financial development. This prosperity fueled a surge in demand for both commercial and residential real estate in the rapidly growing city. The influx of immigrants and migrants from rural areas significantly increased the population, creating a pressing need for housing. The increasing population density, combined with the need for affordable housing for the growing immigrant workforce, led to the construction of numerous tenement buildings. Tenements were built quickly and densely to accommodate the rising demand for housing.2
Roaring Twenties
The second construction boom occurred in the roaring twenties, evident from the graph's peak in construction during the 1920s. The decade from 1920 to 1930 saw the largest increase, with 20% of buildings built. This surge was driven by robust economic growth in the United States, propelled by increased industrial production and consumer spending, creating favorable conditions for construction projects. The era witnessed the construction of iconic skyscrapers in Manhattan, including the Chrysler Building (completed in 1930) and the Empire State Building (completed in 1931), thanks to technological advancements like improved steel construction and the widespread use of elevators.3
Similar to the Gilded Age, there was a degree of real estate speculation during the Roaring Twenties. Investors were eager to capitalize on the booming economy, leading to increased construction of residential and commercial properties.
Post WW II Era
There were other spikes, such as the construction boom post WW II. In the aftermath of World War II, New York City experienced a remarkable construction boom that reshaped its urban landscape. The return of veterans and their families generated a pressing demand for housing, leading to the development of expansive residential projects and apartment complexes. The implementation of the GI Bill, which offered favorable home loan terms for veterans, fueled a surge in homeownership, contributing to the growth of suburbs outside the city center.4
Simultaneously, the city underwent significant infrastructural expansion to accommodate its expanding population. Ambitious projects, including the construction of highways, bridges, and tunnels, aimed to modernize transportation networks and enhance connectivity within the city and to the burgeoning suburbs. This era marked a notable period of suburbanization, with families seeking larger homes and improved living conditions outside the traditional urban core.
Moreover, the post-war years witnessed the rise of iconic commercial structures, such as the Lever House completed in 1952, symbolizing the city's economic vitality and burgeoning financial sectors.5 Urban renewal projects aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and the construction of public facilities, including schools and hospitals, reflected a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the growing and evolving population. Collectively, the post-World War II construction boom in New York City not only addressed the immediate housing needs but also laid the foundation for the city's modern infrastructure, architecture, and overall urban character.
Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century
In the latter half of the 20th century and the early years of the 21st century, New York City experienced a notable construction boom that left an enduring impact on its skyline and urban fabric. This period was characterized by a convergence of economic resurgence, ambitious urban renewal initiatives, and a fervent drive toward modernization.
Parallel to the construction of corporate landmarks, extensive urban renewal projects marked a significant transformation in previously neglected areas. The redevelopment of Times Square in the 1990s stands out as a prime example, where a once-seedy district underwent a remarkable facelift, evolving into a vibrant commercial and entertainment hub.6
Infrastructure improvements further underscored the construction boom, with renovations and expansions enhancing key transportation hubs such as Grand Central Terminal and the construction of new bridges and tunnels contributing to the city's accessibility. The economic recovery that followed downturns in the 1970s and early 1990s provided a fertile ground for construction activities across various sectors. Additionally, the establishment of cultural and entertainment venues, exemplified by the construction of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (1986) and the Barclays Center (2010), reflected the city's commitment to fostering a dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. In sum, the late 20th century to the early 21st century in New York City stands as a testament to a dynamic era of growth, renewal, and transformation, where construction played a pivotal role in shaping the city's trajectory.
Number of Buildings vs Number of Units
In addition to looking at the number of buildings, the number of units built in these decades is also important. Examining the number of units built as opposed to just the number of buildings provides a more nuanced and detailed perspective on urban development and housing trends.
What is interesting to see is that the % of builds exceeded the % of residential units until 1960. What this shows is that each building started to make more efficient use of the land, where a building can house more people. This is largely due to the construction of taller buildings, often in the form of high-rise residential towers. The use of steel and concrete construction technologies allowed for the creation of structures that could accommodate more people in a smaller footprint. The city's zoning regulations evolved over time to encourage higher density and taller buildings in certain areas. Zoning changes aimed at increasing floor area ratios and building heights contributed to the construction of more densely populated structures.
In conclusion, exploring construction and building data unveils the intricate history of New York City's development. Construction patterns mirror the city's growth, economic vitality, and urban planning strategies. The PLUTO dataset, featuring construction years, is crucial for understanding the city's historical built environment. Specific construction booms, like those during the Gilded Age, Roaring Twenties, and post-World War II era, reveal socioeconomic forces at play. From tenements to iconic skyscrapers, each period shaped the city's diverse architecture. The late 20th century to the early 21st century marked another transformative era, leaving a lasting impact on the skyline and infrastructure. Examining the shift from building numbers to unit numbers highlights an evolution in urban development, reflecting the city's adaptability. A future article will explore building data across boroughs, providing deeper insights into New York City's nuanced development patterns.
Great post! It’s awesome to see the trends over time and I appreciated how you described the historical context for those periods. The roaring 20s must have been a fascinating time in this city.
It’s a bit sad to see how few units are being built today compared to the boom periods in the past.
I wonder how much of that construction during the boom periods was densification of existing areas versus greenfield development of previously rural areas. There are amazing photos of the elevated lines in Queens surrounded by empty fields, from back when they were first constructed.
Thank you for writing this! It’s fascinating how much of NYC (in particular, Manhattan) culture dates to the 20s and 30s: speakeasies, the Empire State Building, and Broadway as we know it were all born around then. Makes sense construction peaked at this time too.