Mapping a Decade of NYC Construction Growth

In my article, "From Tenements to Towers: A Historical Journey of NYC Construction,” I utilized PLUTO data to delve into the construction booms in New York City. While the majority of construction took place in the 1920s, there has been a recent boom in the last decade. In this article, I will delve deep into the construction activities of the past decade, specifically exploring where most of the construction occurred, the types of construction, and the overall value of these projects.

Photo by Hannes Richter on Unsplash

Where Did Most Construction Occur? 

In the last decade, construction occurred on over 15,000 tax lots. Most of the construction took place in Brooklyn, representing 32% of the total construction in NYC. As evident from the map, much of this growth was concentrated around the Greenpoint-Williamsburg area. This surge was a result of the Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning, which transpired in New York City in 2005. It marked a significant land-use planning initiative aimed at revitalizing and transforming the industrial waterfront areas of Greenpoint and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. The rezoning was part of the broader citywide efforts under Mayor Michael Bloomberg to encourage residential and mixed-use development, increase affordable housing, and promote economic growth. The primary goals of the Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning included creating more housing options, promoting waterfront access, and fostering economic development. The rezoning clearly did result in a significant transformation of this area. It led to an increase in residential development, the creation of parks and waterfront access points, and changes in the overall urban landscape.

Other areas also experienced significant growth. However, merely examining the tax lots where these units were built is not sufficient. For instance, when considering the total number of buildings constructed, Staten Island emerges as the location with the second-highest percentage of construction completed within the last decade (27%)

However, when considering the number of residential units built, Staten Island only accounts for 3% of the total constructed in the last decade. Known for its suburban character, Staten Island has consistently seen a demand for single-family homes. Consequently, residential development in the area primarily entails the construction of houses rather than high-rise apartment buildings, which explains the relatively low percentage of residential units built. Manhattan presents the opposite story, comprising only 5% of the total buildings built but accounting for 18% of the residential units constructed, indicating a prevalence of denser, high-rise buildings.

What Type of Construction? 

Overall, the majority of construction in the last decade was zoned for residential use, reflecting a pronounced emphasis on residential development in NYC. This trend is propelled by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and a persistent demand for housing, leading to the creation of apartment buildings, condominiums, and mixed-use residential complexes.

In Manhattan, it is notable to observe a concentration of construction in the commercial sector. This is attributed to a significant office construction boom over the past 25 years. According to CBRE,, more than 52 million square feet of office space has been erected in Manhattan.

What is the Value of Construction?

I also examined the total value of construction over the last decade using the "AssessTot" value within PLUTO. The "AssessTot" value represents the total assessed value of a property, which local tax authorities use to calculate property taxes. Assessments typically involve evaluating both the land and any improvements (buildings or structures) on the property.

It's important to note that while the total assessed value of a property can offer some insight into its value, these values may not always directly reflect market values. Local tax authorities use assessed values to calculate property taxes, employing specific formulas and assessment processes that may not perfectly align with market conditions. For the purpose of this analysis, I will use the assessed total value as a proxy for value.

Not surprisingly, construction in Manhattan accounted for about 50% of the total value, primarily due to the concentration of commercial development, which tends to have higher value.

When specifically examining tax lots zoned as residential within NYC, a different story unfolds. Brooklyn's residential development accounted for 47% of the total value. This is likely attributed to recent economic development, with new residential buildings contributing to the rise in property values within Brooklyn.

What does the next decade hold?

It will be interesting to observe the changes in construction and the growth of construction in other areas. The trends in the next decade are likely to differ, given the impact of the pandemic, office vacancies, and the ongoing demand for housing. I anticipate a decrease in commercial development in Manhattan moving forward.

Additionally, it will be intriguing to witness how the City of Yes project densifies NYC and how the concentration and value of buildings change over the next decade. While the City of Yes initiative is citywide, its impact on different boroughs will vary based on their specific needs and challenges. For instance, the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity proposal focuses on revitalizing commercial corridors, which could significantly affect boroughs like the Bronx and Queens with a high concentration of small businesses.

Similarly, the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal aims to create more affordable housing in every neighborhood, potentially having a significant impact on boroughs like Brooklyn, which has been severely affected by the city's affordability crisis.