Tracking the Skyward Progress of Western U.S. Cities

A Washington Post feature analyzes the changing skylines of cities from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

2 minute read

February 6, 2019, 8:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Downtown Construction

oksana.perkins / Shutterstock

Scott Wilson provides the copy and Aaron Steckelberg provides the infographics in a must-read feature planners and urbanists all around the country, but especially in the Western United Stats.

"From the Rockies to the Pacific, cities are seeking to accommodate increasing populations amid housing shortages by growing up instead of out," writes Wilson. "A number of them, including this mile-high city hard against the Front Range, are considering projects that would construct some of the tallest buildings in the West."

According to Wilson, the recent development of taller, centrally located buildings reverses course for these cities, which have sprawled outward, rather than reaching upward, for decades.

"The towers are the showpieces, but across these urban centers, which have sprawled into suburbs for years, new housing and office projects also are being built taller than ever before. The construction is focused around public transportation centers, and, in some cases, cities are allowing heights to rise beyond original zoning rules as a reward for builders who contribute more to affordable housing."

It's a familiar narrative for Planetizen readers—the "return to the city" movement driving the revitalization and redevelopment of once-abandoned urban cores around the country. The new trick with this article is found in the graphics that showcase the buildings redefining height in the cities like Denver (the planned tallest building, 650 17th Street would reach 1,000 feet, far above the current tallest building, Republic Plaza, which reaches 714 feet). Graphics for Seattle, Long Beach, and Sacramento, along with passages of analysis into the land use and zoning changes driving new building heights, are also included in the article.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 in The Washington Post

Aerial view of snowy single-family homes in suburban Long Island, New York

New York Governor Advances Housing Plan Amid Stiff Suburban Opposition

Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious proposal to create more housing has once again run into a brick wall of opposition in New York’s enormous suburbs, especially on Long Island. This year, however, the wall may have some cracks.

March 20, 2023 - Mark H. McNulty

Empty parking garage at night with yellow lines marking spots and fluorescent lighting

Rethinking the Role of Parking in the American City

In cities big and small, the tide is turning against sprawling parking lots, car-centric development, and minimum parking mandates.

March 16, 2023 - The New York Times

A futuristic version of New York City, with plants growing neatly on top of modern skycrapers.

Friday Eye Candy: 20 AI-Generated Cityscapes

AI-generated images are creating new landscapes and cityscapes, capable of inspiring awe or fear.

March 17, 2023 - Chris Steins via Medium

"For Rent" sign in yard of red building

Rent Increases Highest for Lowest-Income Households

Renters at the lower end of the spectrum see no relief in sight as rent hikes remain stubbornly high.

49 minutes ago - Marketplace

Rendering of Baylor Scott & White Health Administrative Center in Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas

A Dallas Architect Designs Statement Buildings With a Purpose

The Dallas Morning News’ architecture critic profiles one of the city’s most important current architects.

2 hours ago - The Dallas Morning News

A mountain range at sunset appears in the background of this photo, with cacti in the foreground.

Biden Designates a New National Monument in West Texas

The Castner Range National Monument in West Texas is the second of two new national monuments announced by President Joe Biden this week.

4 hours ago - The White House

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.